Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is confident that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready when training camp kicks off on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This comes as welcome news for Clippers fans who watched Leonard battle knee problems last season, which ultimately sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation and kept him out of significant playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite Leonard's physical struggles, Lue remains assured of his player's readiness for the upcoming 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 remarked, underscoring his confidence in Leonard's recovery process.
Leonard initially made strides towards recovery by participating in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. However, his Olympic aspirations were cut short as he was eventually replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. The decision by USA Basketball left Clippers president Lawrence Frank visibly frustrated. "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 explained. Despite Leonard's efforts and commitment, Frank felt the decision to exclude him was premature. "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, highlighting Leonard's dedication to his craft and the potential missed opportunity for Team USA.
As the Clippers prepare for the new season, they do so without Paul George, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This significant roster change presents a unique challenge for Lue and the Clippers. However, Lue views this as an opportunity to prove doubters wrong. "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]."
Despite these challenges, the Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, marking an exciting new chapter for the franchise. The anticipation for this momentous game is heightened by the fresh start the team will have with Leonard's return to form and Lue's determination to steer the team through the post-George era. The new season, therefore, glimmers with a mix of uncertainty and hope as the Clippers look to make a strong statement from the get-go.
Overall, the Clippers are facing a season of renewal and resilience. With Leonard expected to be back at full strength and a new arena to call home, Lue and his team are embracing the challenges ahead with a resilient mindset. The journey towards redemption begins in Honolulu, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense and inspiring season for the Los Angeles Clippers.