Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue stands firm in his belief that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready to join the team when training camp kicks off on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Speaking on Leonard's recovery from the knee issues that plagued him last season, Lue expressed confidence in his player's 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 assured fans and the media.
Leonard's knee problems were a significant setback for the Clippers last season. The persistent knee inflammation he experienced forced him to sit out the final eight regular-season games. More critically, these issues kept him from participating in key playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, leaving a noticeable void in the team's lineup.
Despite these setbacks, Leonard has shown determination in his recovery efforts. He participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, demonstrating his commitment to regaining top form. However, ultimately, Team USA opted to replace him with Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics. This decision was met with disappointment within the Clippers organization.
"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision," explained Clippers president Lawrence Frank, reflecting the team's frustration. "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 further emphasized his belief in Leonard's readiness and potential impact. "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."
As the Clippers prepare for the start of their training camp, they do so without Paul George, who departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Addressing the challenges that come with losing a player of George's caliber, 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]," Lue asserted.
The Clippers will also be inaugurating their new arena on October 23 in a highly anticipated game against the Phoenix Suns. This marks a significant chapter in the team's journey, symbolizing a fresh start and new opportunities. With Leonard's anticipated return and a renewed sense of drive following George's departure, the Clippers are aiming to forge a successful path in the upcoming season.
As the spotlight turns to Honolulu for the opening of training camp, all eyes will be on Leonard. His recovery and performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the Clippers' season. For now, the confidence emanating from Ty Lue and Lawrence Frank is a promising sign for Clippers fans, as they look forward to seeing their star player back in action and their team rising to the challenges ahead.