Clippers’ Tyronn Lue Has Been Trying to Steal Championship-Winning Head Coaches Schemes For Years

The Los Angeles Clippers are about to embark on a new challenge this coming season. Star forward Paul George is no longer with the team after leaving for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.

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That means that co-stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will be tasked with helping the team get over the hump in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has replaced George by emphasizing their overall depth, a method that could have been helpful over the years.

Losing a star player will also put more responsibility on head coach Tyronn Lue to be on his A-game at all times. Lue has become one of the better coaches around the NBA, credited with his strong in-game adjustments. He is also a great communicator, something most players tend to gravitate toward.

Lue spent time with Team USA this summer on the coaching staff, helping the Americans claim the gold medal. This experience gave Lue a jump-start on coaching for the new season and kept him completely involved in the game.

But even with all the different NBA team members all on the same squad, some secrets aren’t shared. Lue revealed that he has been trying to get Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to give up his defensive schemes. But so far, Spoelstra has held firm.

“I’ve been trying to get Spo’s zone out of him for two years now,” Lue said with a smile.

The Clippers brought in former NBA head coach Jeff Van Gundy to help with defensive schemes this season, and he could make a big difference. While he was a head coach, Van Gundy’s teams ranked in the top six of defensive efficiency.

“I’m a little nervous and on edge,” Van Gundy told ESPN. “Because I want to do my part and blend in with the other coaches and help Ty because I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

Los Angeles was ranked eighth in defensive efficiency back in the 2020-21 season but has since dropped. Over the past two seasons, the Clippers have fallen to 17th and 16th in the NBA.

Lue and Van Gundy will look to get Los Angeles back on track this season. They are embracing the challenge ahead and are determined to show people that despite losing George, the Clippers are a team that will have a say in how the Western Conference shakes out.

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