The Los Angeles Clippers are having an extremely difficult time right now, losing eight of their last nine games. Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins sees one clear problem with this team that a lot of fans are probably picking up on as well.
"I also played for Ty Lue," he said. "And it would be games where we would come in where we played like complete crap, and it's, 'alright, see y'all tomorrow.' It's no urgency. And we look at how these Cippers teams are playing, and it's getting worse and worse by the year. And I love Ty Lue. I think he's an incredible X's and O's guy, but sometimes that laid back approach carries over into the team, and then you have a laid back team."
This feels like a perfect description of where the Clippers are at as a team right now. Kawhi Leonard has been out since the beginning of November, and James Harden has had to pick up a lot of the slack. He's been positively incredible, but there are certainly lingering questions about the overall team culture.
Public critiques from a former player like this one from DeMarcus Cousins don't do anything to diminish the problem in the eyes of the public. It's not hard to understand why if a head coach's temperament is a bit relaxed, his team is likely to follow suit.
DeMarcus Cousins questioned the culture Lue is creating in LA
Lue has frequently struck a nerve with the fanbase to begin this season. Just last week, his postgame press conference was one that made many feel as if the intensity and emotional edge isn't where it should be. In short, the totality of the criticism of Lue isn't just about the losses for a lot of fans, it's in the lack of visible fight.
Teams that are consistent winners tend to build habits of urgency, especially on nights where star players are injured or not playing. The Clippers' recent stretch of losses and their current record following Bradley Beal's season entering hip injury reflect an overall lapse in focus and urgency.
A lot of analysts would agree with Cousins that Lue is one of the top tactical coaches in the association. Game planning isn't the issue here, it's a matter of setting a tone. Increasingly more fans believe that the Clippers need a more firm voice in the locker room, especially considering the injury situation.
Overall, the combination of the Clippers having a deep roster yet achieving poor results and having a questionable culture has made it the perfect time for criticism to arise. Ty Lue's critics aren't going to let up until LA gets back to their winning ways.