From the point of view of an athlete, the LA Clippers’ current most prized possession is the Croatian center, Ivica Zubac. The next two in line are Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, but with Zubac starting his prime at 28, he ultimately holds the edge in team value. Thus, the Clippers should and must not trade him for anyone who is not one of the best players in the world.
In contrast, on the sidelines, with the coaches, the Clippers have genius minds throughout the system. Tyronn Lue, the head coach, is as brilliant as they come, and his top-notch winning resume is parallel with the best of the best. One of his assistants, Brian Shaw, is also elite, and he proved so during the games he filled in Lue’s absence.
Both work well together, and they each notice the little details that need improvement, which eventually lead to winning streaks, such as the one LA went on to cap at the end of the 2024-25 regular season.
However, the man in the middle of it all who is given singular roses in terms of credit when he deserves bouquets is Jeff Van Gundy, the team’s overlooked mastermind. He is arguably the most valuable sideline piece the Clippers have, and with all of the teams switching coaches and assistants this summer, LA must block off everyone trying to meet with him.
If asked to accept or deny opponents trying to interview Jeff Van Gundy, the LA Clippers must decline right away
Teams across the NBA, such as the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and possibly the Dallas Mavericks, with Jason Kidd’s future in question, are looking to add to their staff, and Jeff Van Gundy’s name will eventually be brought up because of how he transformed the LA Clippers this season.
Mid-season, when fans realized the fantastic job Van Gundy had done, they expected him to receive coaching interest from other contenders. He has been the primary play-caller before, but with additional experience in his arsenal from the Clippers, the well-respected defensive specialist will receive interview requests.
It is the Clippers’ job to block teams off, as Van Gundy will be needed after LA adds talent to their lineups this summer. He turned a good team defense into a premiere, top three, and the front office will only see their dreams unfold if their most intelligent assistant is in the picture.
He is also a major reason why Ivica Zubac developed into an All-Defensive talent, which is more crucial now than ever, as the big man is expected to have another phenomenal season in 2025-26.