Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue exudes confidence as he assures fans that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready for training camp starting October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This comes as a relief after Leonard's prolonged knee issues last season, which sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games and kept him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
"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," Ty Lue stated, providing a glimmer of hope for Clippers supporters.
Kawhi's Setback and Comeback
Last season's knee inflammation was a major hindrance for Leonard, who has been a central figure for the Clippers. His absence in the playoffs was a significant blow, with the team eventually missing out on advancing further. However, Leonard’s determination to return to the court was evident as he participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Despite this rigorous preparation, he was ultimately left off the Olympic roster, replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank expressed his disappointment over the exclusion. "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 said.
"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," he added, emphasizing that Leonard was in good shape and perhaps unfairly excluded from the Olympic team.
Challenges Ahead
The upcoming season poses significant challenges for the Clippers, especially following Paul George's departure for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Losing a player of George’s caliber naturally raises questions about the team’s competitive edge moving forward. However, Ty Lue remains undaunted, firmly believing in the team’s resilience and potential.
"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 explained, demonstrating his unwavering resolve to lead the Clippers past these hurdles.
Looking Forward
Adding another layer of excitement to the season, the Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a highly anticipated matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This new venue symbolizes a fresh chapter for the team, one imbued with the hope of overcoming past adversities and striving for success in the forthcoming season.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Kawhi Leonard performs and how the team adapts to the absence of Paul George. With Ty Lue at the helm, brimming with motivation and confidence, the Clippers are poised to face the challenges head-on. The season opener in Honolulu will not only kickstart a new campaign but also set the tone for what could be a triumphant journey for the team.