Ty Lue: Clippers' struggles are about 'chemistry and continuity' rather than 'the guys not liking each other'

Los Angeles Clippers coach Ty Lue faces a huge challenge this season, as he will be expected to get the team back on track after a massively disappointing 3-1 collapse against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. There have been rumors about the Clippers' chemistry being the source of their struggles, but Lue believes it has less to do with the guys getting along and more with the team not being able to find continuity due to not being on the court enough.

"I think when you talk about chemistry and continuity, it is not off the court, the guys not liking each other," Lue said in his virtual introductory news conference. "When you talk about chemistry, it is more so [Paul George] came in and he had shoulder surgery, so he was out, he missed the whole training camp and was out the first 11 games of the season. Kawhi [Leonard] came in and couldn't participate in the whole training camp, and then we lost Pat Beverley, in and out of the lineup a few times."

Is Lue potentially suggesting he may veer away from Doc Rivers' load management strategy that kept Kawhi Leonard off the court for multiple games last season? It's not clear, but what is evident is that Lue believes the team failed to meet expectations because they were never able to establish a rhythm that teams need to make a deep run in the playoffs.

If the Clippers are unable to find that "chemistry and continuity" this season, they could be in serious trouble, as Leonard and George could both opt out of their contracts, leaving the forgotten younger brother of Los Angeles basketball with no superstars and virtually no future assets to rebuild.