As the Los Angeles Clippers gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on star forward Kawhi Leonard. Head coach Ty Lue expressed confidence that Leonard will be ready when training camp begins on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. “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 said.
Leonard's recent history has been plagued by knee issues, which saw him miss the final eight regular-season games last season due to inflammation. These persistent problems also kept him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, casting doubt on his availability for the coming season. However, Lue’s reassurances signal a positive turn for the Clippers’ star.
Not only did Leonard's knee troubles affect his NBA season, but they also extended to the international stage. Despite his participation in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the games. The decision to exclude Leonard from Team USA drew disappointment from Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
“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. He added, “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.”
The Clippers' upcoming training camp in Honolulu is not just about Leonard’s return. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team as they navigate changes in their roster. Notably, Paul George departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, a significant loss that has redefined the Clippers' dynamics.
Lue, however, remains undeterred by George’s departure and is ready to embrace the challenge. “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 stated with determination.
Adding to the excitement, the Clippers are also set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a highly anticipated matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This milestone event represents a fresh start and an opportunity to build new memories and achievements within their home court.
As the training camp approaches, the Clippers organization and fans alike are hopeful that Leonard’s return will be the key to a successful season. With a seasoned coach like Ty Lue at the helm and a roster committed to proving doubters wrong, the Clippers are poised to face the upcoming season with renewed vigor and determination.
All eyes will be on Honolulu come October 1 as the Clippers begin their journey, aiming to cement their status as strong contenders. The season ahead holds promise, challenge, and the potential for remarkable achievements, underscored by the relentless spirit the team embodies.