In the world of the NBA, preseason often sees veteran players taking it easy, gradually easing into the rhythm of the game. However, the Los Angeles Clippers, under the leadership of coach Tyronn Lue, are set to change this narrative. They have a clear-cut plan – an urgency plan – and it involves superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Changing the Mindset: Establishing Identity from Day 1
Tyronn Lue, who boasts an impressive coaching history with players like LeBron James, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, understands how veteran players approach the preseason. However, he’s determined to alter this mindset. "Establishing who we are from Day 1" is the Clippers’ mantra for the training camp, a bold departure from the typical easing-in approach.
Setting the Tone for Urgency
Last season, the Clippers had their moments but sometimes lacked the urgency they needed. This time around, they’re singing a different tune. Lue expects urgency regardless of the preseason setting, emphasizing a few key points:
- Offensive Prowess: Pushing the pace, attacking the basket, and maintaining excellent spacing on offense.
- Defensive Tenacity: Being a physical force from the first to the fifth position, focusing on aggressive defense.
In their preseason opener against the Utah Jazz, the Clippers didn’t reveal their full potential. Still, they provided some valuable insights.
Five Takeaways from the First Game of the Season
1. Westbrook’s Role: Russell Westbrook is solidifying his position as the starting ball-handler. If the Clippers make a trade, the ball-handling opportunities may decrease, but the preseason showcased the potential of rookie Bones Hyland playing alongside Leonard and George.
2. Bones Hyland’s Promise: Hyland displayed remarkable aggression, both on offense and defense, scoring a team-high 18 points and impressing with his quick recovery on defense. His style seems to align well with the Clippers’ game plan.
3. Executing Plays: Execution was a key focus, and Hyland commented positively on the team’s ability to run plays effectively, regardless of the outcome.
4. Physicality and Pace: Lue’s priorities for the preseason were clear – maintaining a high pace and being the more physical team defensively. While they faced challenges, such as Jazz center Walker Kessler’s blocks, the Clippers forced turnovers and capitalized on them.
5. Intensity from the Start: Kawhi Leonard’s pace and Paul George’s intensity were noticeable from the outset, showing that they are committed to playing with full intensity right from the beginning of the season.
Injuries and Learning Curves
Not everything went smoothly in the preseason opener. Brandon Boston Jr., a promising player in his third season, suffered a left knee bruise, leaving a question mark over his immediate future on the court. Additionally, KJ Martin, acquired in a trade from Houston, faces a steep learning curve as he adapts to the Clippers’ system.
As the Clippers navigate the preseason and prepare for the regular season, the urgency plan remains at the forefront. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with the rest of the team, are determined to establish their identity right from the start, setting a new tone for the Clippers’ journey in the NBA.
So, keep an eye on the Clippers as they follow their "Kawhi Leonard and Paul George following Clippers urgency plan" – it might just be the recipe for success they need.
Uncovering Impactful Rookies in Clippers’ History
What was the Clippers best season?
The Los Angeles Clippers’ best season to date was in 2013-14 when they achieved an impressive 57-25 record.
Who is starting PG for Clippers?
The starting point guard for the Clippers is Russell Westbrook (R. Westbrook), who plays the position of PG and has an average turnover (TOV) of 3.5.
What is the Clippers record 2023?
What is the 2022-23 Los Angeles Clippers’ record? The Los Angeles Clippers concluded the regular season with a 44-38 record, boasting a home record of 23-18 and an away record of 21-20. Taking into account the playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers’ overall record for the season stands at 45-42.
Who are the point guards for the Clippers?
Who are the point guards for the Clippers? The point guards for the LA Clippers include:
- Russell Westbrook
- Bones Hyland
These players handle the crucial point guard position for the team.
What was the Clippers worst season record?
What was the Clippers’ worst season record? During the 1986–87 season, which marked their 17th season in the NBA and their 3rd in Los Angeles, the Clippers had a dismal performance. They finished with a record of 12–70 (.146), registering the lowest winning percentage in the team’s history.
Who is the best rookie for the Clippers?
Who is the best rookie for the Clippers? It’s none other than Los Angeles Clippers’ star, Blake Griffin. In his debut season in 2009-10, Griffin made an immediate impact, showcasing his talent with an impressive 20-point and 14-rebound performance against the Trail Blazers. He went on to set multiple Clipper and rookie records, solidifying his status as an outstanding rookie for the team.
