LA Clippers: Tyronn Lue hints lineup changes could be coming
By Josh Paredes
Something clearly isn’t working for the LA Clippers to begin the season.
Team defense has been better than average in the first six games, but Head Coach Tyronn Lue has some offensive issues that need addressing.
The Clippers barely pulled off just their second win in six games as they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, and there could be some more shifts in the rotation going forward. Speaking to the media during Sunday’s practice, Lue hinted that we could be seeing some changes in the lineup.
“If you’re getting our shots and you’re not making them, does that call for a change?” asked Lue. Making mention of how the team often struggles when Paul George comes off the floor, he continued by saying they “have to do something about that” and that the team has something they’ll try on Monday.
Although George has had a hot start to the year, he hasn’t had a lot of offensive help. His 28.3 points per game are nearly double the next Clipper on the list, Reggie Jackson, who is averaging 14.2.
"“I’ve got to do a better job of making sure we’ve got the right combinations on the floor and making sure we’re doing the right thing,” said Lue."
The LA Clippers’ offense needs drastic improvements.
After finishing 10th in the league in points per game at 114 last season, the LA Clippers are putting up just 102.2 points per game through six games (25th). Of course, much of that can be attributed to the agonizing loss to the Cavaliers that saw them score just 79 points.
The Clippers also have suffered a huge dip in 3-point shooting so far, knocking down just 32.4% (21st) compared to 41.1% last season (1st).
Lue didn’t offer information as to any specific changes to the lineup that might be coming, but we can probably assume there will be noticeable rotation shifts as the Clippers look to figure out how to best utilize their short-handed roster.
No matter what changes the coach makes, it’ll ultimately come down to making shots. The Clippers have still been getting wide-open looks in their first few games but have yet to have an impressive shooting night.
Next. 2 Players who’ve looked better than expected. dark
Last season, the Clippers shot a league-best 44.4% on wide-open shots from 3-point range. This year, they’re sitting at 18th in the NBA at 35.6%. It’s time to see some shots start to fall or the Clippers will see themselves fall further and further down the standings.