Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is optimistic about the upcoming season, particularly regarding the recovery of star forward Kawhi Leonard. Following a challenging season marked by knee issues, Leonard is expected to be ready when the Clippers' training camp starts on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. "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 shared.
Leonard's knee problems were a significant storyline last season. The forward played sporadically due to inflammation, eventually missing the final eight regular-season games. His absence was keenly felt during pivotal playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, leaving fans and the team wondering what might have been had he been able to participate fully.
In a hopeful sign for Clippers supporters, Leonard participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. This involvement indicated that he was on the road to recovery. However, despite showing promise during these sessions, Leonard was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics. The decision to exclude Leonard did not sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank, who expressed his displeasure openly.
"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 noted. He emphasized his confidence in Leonard's readiness by stating, "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."
This confidence will be crucial for the Clippers as they face a new season without one of their key players from last year, Paul George, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The departure of George, a player of considerable stature, naturally raises questions about the team's ability to remain competitive.
Addressing these concerns, Lue conveyed a sense of determination and resilience. "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 stated.
The Clippers will have an opportunity to prove their mettle soon enough. The team is set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 in a highly anticipated game against the Phoenix Suns. This marks a new chapter for the franchise, one that they hope will be filled with success and free from the injury woes that plagued them last season.
As Leonard works his way back to full fitness, the Clippers organization and their fans will be watching closely. The forward's health and performance will undoubtedly play a key role in determining the team's fortunes in the upcoming season. With training camp just around the corner, all eyes are on Honolulu as the Clippers aim to start strong and put last season's disappointments behind them.