As the Los Angeles Clippers gear up for their upcoming training camp in Honolulu, Hawaii, head coach Ty Lue has assured fans that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready to hit the court. Leonard, who struggled with knee problems last season, missed the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation and was notably absent during critical playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these setbacks, Lue expresses confidence in Leonard’s recovery and readiness.
"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 reassured, emphasizing Leonard’s progress and determination to return to form. The Clippers’ training camp, set to commence on October 1, marks an important milestone for Leonard and the team, particularly after a season marred by his absence.
Leonard’s injury woes also impacted his international ambitions. Although he participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team was met with 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 stated, highlighting the team’s belief in Leonard’s capabilities. "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 season will be further complicated by the departure of Paul George, who left the team for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. George’s exit raises questions about the Clippers’ competitive edge. However, Lue remains undeterred by the naysayers.
"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 remarked, showcasing his resilience and leadership mindset.
The Clippers’ season also brings a momentous occasion as they look forward to inaugurating their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This event is not only significant for the team but also for fans who eagerly anticipate seeing their team play in a state-of-the-art facility.
As training camp approaches, the Clippers' journey towards reclaiming their standing in the NBA begins with critical steps. Leonard’s health and performance will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the team's success. With the backing of Coach Lue and the organization, Leonard’s return promises to inject much-needed skill and star power into the lineup.
The Clippers’ leadership remains optimistic despite the adversity, driven by the shared goal of overcoming past hurdles and moving towards a season of redemption and achievement. As players report to Honolulu, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how these narratives unfold on the court.