Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has expressed strong confidence that Kawhi Leonard, the star forward who struggled with knee issues last season, will be fully prepared to join the team as their training camp kicks off on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This comes after Leonard's knee problems sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation and kept him out of significant playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kawhi Leonard's Comeback
Lue's confidence in Leonard's readiness has been a focal point as the Clippers prepare for the new season. "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. The sentiment echoes a growing optimism within the Clippers' organization about Leonard's health and prospects for the upcoming season.
Leonard's injury issues extended beyond the NBA season. He participated in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, only for those knee problems to resurface, ultimately leading to his replacement by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. The decision to exclude him from the Olympic team did not sit well with 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," Frank remarked. "I was there the first two practices. He looked very good. Participated, was a full participant in everything that they did."
Frank's disappointment is rooted in a deep knowledge of Leonard's capabilities and his readiness to compete. "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," Frank added.
Challenges and Changes
As the Clippers look ahead, they face the new challenge of moving forward without star player Paul George, who left the Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This significant roster change naturally raises questions about the team's competitive edge this season. However, Ty Lue remains undeterred. "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]."
The Clippers will not only be adjusting to changes on their roster but also to a change of scenery. They are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23, in a season-opener against the Phoenix Suns. The new arena represents a fresh start in many respects, and the team will be looking to make a strong statement right from the outset.
Looking Forward
As the Clippers start their training camp, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard and his progression. The franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs, and losing a player like Paul George undoubtedly stings. However, with Leonard's expected return and the motivational leadership of Ty Lue, the Clippers are gearing up to defy expectations once again.
The combination of Leonard's impressive skill set and Lue's tactical acumen could still spell a successful season for the Clippers, despite the hurdles they've encountered. The journey begins in Honolulu, where the Clippers hope their preparations will set them on a path to triumph in their new home arena and beyond.