Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue expressed strong confidence in Kawhi Leonard's readiness for the upcoming training camp slated to begin on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard is expected to make a full return after battling persistent knee problems last season, an issue that sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games.
"I speak to him all the time. He'll be ready for [Clippers] training camp. He's feeling good and I know he'll be ready for training camp," Lue stated, underscoring the team's optimism about Leonard's comeback. This reassurance from Lue comes as a relief for Clippers fans, who have been anxious about Leonard's health and the impact his absence had on the team's performance last season.
A Season Marred by Injuries
The knee inflammation that kept Leonard out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks posed a significant challenge for the Clippers. The loss of their star forward was a tough blow, particularly in the high-stakes atmosphere of the playoffs where Leonard's presence could have potentially altered the outcome.
Besides missing the playoffs, Leonard's knee troubles also affected his participation in other key basketball events. He was initially part of a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. However, he was eventually replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, a move that did not sit well with the Clippers organization.
Disappointment Over Olympic Exclusion
Clippers president Lawrence Frank voiced his frustration over Leonard's exclusion from the Olympic team. "It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play. I was there the first two practices. He looked very good. Participated, was a full participant in everything that they did," Frank remarked.
Frank further elaborated, "I expressed to them, I really wish that they would have given Kawhi more time. We have the benefit of having been around Kawhi for five years to see his body and see where he's at. So, he looked good to me."
Roster Changes and New Beginnings
As the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season, they are also adjusting to significant roster changes. The departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has left a notable void in the team's lineup. Yet, head coach Ty Lue remains undeterred by the skepticism surrounding the team's potential without George.
"When you lose a guy of Paul George's stature, instantly people [think] oh, they can't win or they're not going to be competitive. But that just challenges me even more. OK, people are counting us out or people don't think we're going to be good. That right there just gives me an extra dose of [motivation]," Lue commented.
Anticipating the New Season
Beyond individual player recoveries and roster adjustments, the Clippers have another significant milestone to look forward to: the inauguration of their new arena. Set to debut on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, this event marks a new chapter for the team and its fans.
With the combination of a potentially healthy Kawhi Leonard, the strategic leadership of Ty Lue, and the excitement surrounding their new arena, the Clippers are poised to face the upcoming season with renewed vigor and determination. While challenges persist, the team's leadership appears ready to tackle them head-on, with a clear focus on both short-term readiness and long-term success.