Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is optimistic about the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Training camp, set to begin on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, will mark a significant milestone for Leonard, who has been grappling with knee issues.
Kawhi Leonard's knee problems plagued him throughout last season, culminating in his being sidelined for the last eight regular-season games due to inflammation. These issues continued to impact his availability, keeping him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these setbacks, Leonard participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, showcasing his dedication to returning to peak form.
Training Camp Expectations
Ty Lue has maintained a positive outlook regarding Leonard’s recovery and readiness for the training camp. "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, reflecting confidence in Leonard’s progress and potential impact for the Clippers this season.
Controversy Over Olympic Exclusion
Leonard’s exclusion from the Tokyo Olympics roster came as a surprise to many within the Clippers' organization, including team president Lawrence Frank. Frank expressed his disappointment explicitly, pointing a finger at USA Basketball's decision-making process. "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. This sentiment was further echoed in his wish for more consideration regarding Leonard’s condition and readiness. "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.
Clippers Face New Challenges
With the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, the Clippers face a significant challenge in the upcoming season. The loss of George is undoubtedly a substantial blow to the team’s roster. However, Coach Ty Lue sees this as an opportunity to refocus and galvanize the team. "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 asserted, demonstrating his determination to lead the team through this transitional phase.
Upcoming Season and New Arena
The Clippers are set to begin their season with renewed energy, inaugurating their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This season opener not only marks the start of a new chapter on the court but also symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the franchise, which has been eagerly anticipated by fans and the organization alike. The development of the new arena reflects the Clippers' ambitions and commitment to growth and success, despite the hurdles faced during this off-season.
As the Clippers gear up for their training camp in Honolulu, the focus remains on ensuring that all players, especially Kawhi Leonard, are in optimal condition to start the season strong. The combination of a refreshed roster, the motivation stemming from underdog status, and a state-of-the-art new arena set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and dynamic season for the Los Angeles Clippers.