Leonard could thrive in the triangle offense

The new wrinkles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue added to the offense this season originated from the triangle offense and the ways in which Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan found high rates of success.

Lue decided to employ “a few sets” from the triangle because Kawhi Leonard has the skills to operate in the pinch- post area like Bryant did with the Lakers and Jordan did with the Chicago Bulls. And Lue is using this because Leonard expressed a desire to perform in the triangle.

Lue, who won two NBA championships with Bryant and played with Jordan with the Washington Wizards, said the shortened preseason and training camp were also factors in trying to f ind ways to put Leonard in the best position.

“We have put in two or three sets of the triangle and let Kawhi play in those spaces where Kobe and Jordan played in those spots as well,” Lue said before Sunday’s practice. “He loves those two players and he really respects and looks up to those guys. So, we just try to put him in position.”

Motivated Clippers

Beyond having to watch the Lakers get their NBA championship rings on opening night Tuesday at Staples Center, beyond watching them raise their record- tying 17th championship banner and beyond playing their rivals, the Clippers have their own source of motivation this season.

The Clippers were one of the favorites to win the crown last season. Instead, they imploded and blew a 3- 1 series lead in losing to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.

It’s a new season and Paul George said the Clippers are simply motivated to to bring home the f irst championship in franchise history.

“It’s the start of what we’re trying to do and that’s the only thing we got to look at is the start of the marathon and the race that we’re running for this year.”