With Tyronn Lue away for personal reasons, Van Gundy addressed how Garland’s presence could affect Kawhi Leonard’s role.
Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy speaks to Derrick Jones Jr. against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 4, 2025, at Intuit Dome. INGLEWOOD — The man behind the Clippers’ defense, the coach who is seen but rarely speaks, spoke after practice Saturday.
With coach Tyronn Lue away from the team for personal reasons, Van Gundy, who prefers the background, was pressed into service and discussed how Darius Garland will fit into the defense and how his presence will affect Kawhi Leonard’s role. Lue has been starting defensive-minded Kris Dunn and forward Derrick Jones Jr. to help take the load off Leonard; Garland is expected to slip into one of those two positions. But that doesn’t mean Leonard’s lockdown defense will be shelved. The Clippers , who are fighting for a higher Play-In spot , will need contributions from everyone, but especially Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive selection is a key reason why the Clippers are 11th in defensive rating since Dec. 20 after starting the season near the bottom.“When you have a home-run hitter like Kawhi, you don’t want to take the bat out of his hands ever,” Van Gundy said. “So, he may not guard the best or the most dangerous player from the start, but for us to be what we hoped and what we aspire to be defensively, he’s got to want to guard that guy and he’s going to have to guard that guy on certain occasions.” Leonard, who missed practice Saturday because of illness and the last game because of ankle soreness, is questionable for Sunday’s game. Van Gundy said Leonard is still a defensive threat even at 32 years old. “He’s every bit as capable as he’s always been defensively. There’s nothing that Kawhi is incapable of,” Van Gundy said. “So, it would be a poor choice by us as a coaching staff if we didn’t keep the bat in his hand. That doesn’t mean every possession, every game, but certainly you have to utilize that, or you’re diminishing your chances.” Garland could make his Clippers debut as soon as Monday, when the team travels to the Bay Area to face the Golden State Warriors in the second game of a back-to-back. The point guard, who has been dealing with toe issues since coming to the Clippers, scrimmaged Saturday for a second time in three days. His presence on the court will not only be felt on the defensive end, but from the 3-point line. A career 38.6% shooter from long range, Garland will help the Clippers’ sagging long-range shooting, which is hovering at 34.0%. “Obviously, he’s so incredibly talented. There’s nothing really he can’t do, especially offensively, but I think the most exciting thing has just been his energy,” Clippers center Brook Lopez said. “We already have a great group, a wonderful group of guys, good energy and connection on court, and I think he definitely adds to that and enhances it.”KTLA layoffs hit local TV news hosts Mark Kriski, Lu Parker and Glen Walker2 trans men sue Kansas over a law invalidating their driver’s licenses and about 1,700 others LAFD firefighter testifies he warned that Lachman fire was not fully out when crews were told to pack upUS military used laser to take down Border Protection drone, lawmakers sayDisneyland ‘MAGA Invasion’ braces for counter protesters at park entrance
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anthony Edwards Barks at Chris Finch After Hitting Dagger vs. ClippersEdwards' clutch three helped secure a sloppy win for the Wolves in Los Angeles.
Read more »
Short-handed Clippers can’t outlast Anthony Edwards, TimberwolvesThe Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard and John Collins, take a lead into the fourth quarter, but Edwards (31 points) buries a step-back 3-pointer with 42.9 seconds left to help Minnesota hold…
Read more »
Anthony Edwards y Timberwolves superan a Clippers mermadosAnthony Edwards anotó 31 puntos, Donte DiVincenzo sumó 18 y los enrachados Timberwolves de Minnesota vencieron el jueves 94-88 a los Clippers de Los Ángeles.
Read more »
Darius Garland Has Message for Clippers Fans Ahead of Much-Anticipated ReturnThe All-Star point guard is inching towards his Clippers debut.
Read more »
Anthony Edwards Clarifies Heated Sideline Moment With Coach in Wolves' Win vs. ClippersCameras caught Edwards telling something like 'That's what I do!' in coach Chris Finch's face.
Read more »
Projecting Clippers Depth Chart After Darius Garland's ReturnThe Clippers' new point guard is nearing his return from injury, which will cause a shakeup in minute distribution.
Read more »