Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has expressed unwavering confidence that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be in top form as the team launches its training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This assurance follows a challenging season for Leonard, who struggled with knee problems that eventually sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation.
Despite his injury setbacks, Leonard’s commitment to his recovery and return to the court appears resolute. Ty Lue, who stays in regular contact with Leonard, stated, "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."
Summer Struggles and Olympic Disappointment
Leonard's knee issues did not only impact his NBA season but also extended into the summer, affecting his participation in the Tokyo Olympics. He took part in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas leading up to the Olympics in July, demonstrating his keenness to represent his country. However, his hopes were dashed when he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the international competition.
The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team was met with disappointment within the Clippers organization. Team president Lawrence Frank minced no words regarding his frustration, saying, "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 further added, "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."
Adjusting to Changes
The Clippers are also gearing up for a noticeable roster change this season with Paul George having left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Lue acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the team's potential success following George's departure but took it as a source of motivation. "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]," he asserted.
Looking Forward
Despite these challenges, the Clippers remain optimistic about the upcoming season. Their training camp in Honolulu will be a critical period for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build chemistry among the new lineup. This locale provides not just a picturesque backdrop but also a focused environment for the Clippers to prepare for what they hope will be a successful campaign.
Adding to the anticipation, the Clippers will be inaugurating their new arena with the first home game scheduled against the Phoenix Suns on October 23. This milestone represents a new chapter for the franchise and their fans, generating excitement and a sense of renewal as the season approaches.
As the Clippers prepare to reconvene and tackle the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard's performance and the team's ability to adapt and overcome the recent roster changes. With Ty Lue steering the ship and Leonard's anticipated return to form, the Clippers are poised to face the challenges ahead head-on and strive for success in the competitive landscape of the NBA.