Tyronn Lue had little taste of the loss to Denver, calling the Clippers’ performance a “unprofessional”. “I didn’t like the way we approached the game tonight”he asserted.
One week before the start of the regular season, the Californian strategist notably mentioned the rotation of the position of playmaker, which still seems to bother him. Upon arrival of John Wallthe hierarchy seemed established: Reggie Jackson would start the games and the former All-Star point guard would come off the bench.
A few weeks later, the deal is obviously not so simple. The last two games would have put Tyronn Lue back in his thinking process because John Wall was good when he started against Minnesota and Reggie Jackson was also interesting off the bench. Much more interesting than this night as a starter since the leader made a pale copy in 12 minutes (1 point, 2 assists, 1 lost ball).
“Both play well” assures Tyronn Lue. “Reggie came off the bench in the previous game. He tried to find his rhythm. Tonight was different. A lot of different things are asked of a lot of players so I can see what the guys can do. I have a good idea of what each can do. You just have to play well and play hard. It’s not an individual issue, it’s more of a collective issue.
“I thought I knew, but I don’t know now”
It is still time for reflection, and listening to Tyronn Lue, it is a question of finding the leader who will best combine with the four other holders, and especially the Leonard-George duo. Perhaps also that the coach will choose… not to decide, and that he will opt for John Wall or Reggie Jackson depending on the opponent.
“My job is to make sure that I can give everyone a good opportunity, depending on what everyone can do in attack and in defense. When the season starts, it’s going to be completely different. We just have to be more professional in what we do”.
What is certain is that the certainties of Tyronn Lue at the level of his rotation have been turned upside down by the last outings of the Clippers. “I thought I knew, but I don’t know now”, so he concluded.
The Clippers will in any case quickly get into the heart of the matter since they will start their season with a derby against the Lakers of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. It will be in eight days.
