Reports: Ty Lue joining Clippers' coaching staff as Doc Rivers' top assistant
The Los Angeles Clippers are bringing in another big name this offseason.
Tyronn Lue, who won the 2016 NBA title and guided the Cleveland Cavaliers to two other Finals appearances, is joining Doc Rivers' coaching staff as lead assistant, according to multiple reports. The Athletic's Shams Charania was the first to report the agreement.
The New York Times' Marc Stein reported last week the Clippers were "closing in" on the former head coach, and an agreement was seemingly reached Tuesday.
Lue previously served as an assistant for Rivers from 2011-2014 with both the Boston Celtics and Clippers. Lue also played for Rivers in part of one season, in 2003-04 with the Orlando Magic.
Besides being a title winner in his own right, the Clippers adding Lue is interesting for what happened earlier this year: his failure to reach an agreement with the in-arena rival Los Angeles Lakers – with whom Lue won two championships as a player – to become head coach after once being at the "forefront" of their search. The Lakers eventually hired former Magic and Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel; Jason Kidd, former NBA All-Star and coach of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, will be one of Vogel's assistants.
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In parts of four seasons with the Cavs, Lue went 128-83 and – behind LeBron James – the team went to the NBA Finals from 2016-2018, winning that first appearance in their stunning 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors. Despite his status as the first coach to lead the Cavaliers to a championship, and despite James leaving for the Lakers in the offseason, Lue was fired after an 0-6 start in 2018-19.
The addition of Lue is just the latest storyline in what is shaping up to be an eventful season for the two Los Angeles teams. The Clippers added California natives Kawhi Leonard (in free agency fresh off a second Finals MVP) and Paul George (via a stunning trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder), while the Lakers added another star alongside James by acquiring Anthony Davis in a big swap with the New Orleans Pelicans.
All eyes will be on Staples Center in 2019-20.