The Los Angeles Clippers are set to kick off their training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a renewed sense of optimism around the health and readiness of their star forward Kawhi Leonard. Head coach Ty Lue has expressed confidence that Leonard, who struggled with knee issues last season, will be fully prepared to participate when camp opens.
"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, echoing the hopeful sentiments around the organization.
Leonard's Injury Woes
Last season was one of adversity for Leonard, as persistent knee problems led to significant playing time missed. He was sidelined for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation, a setback that had ripple effects on the Clippers' performance in crucial games. The impact of Leonard’s absence was most felt during the playoffs, where he was unable to participate in key matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite these challenges, Leonard made a notable effort to stay connected with the sport over the summer. He joined a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his determination to remain competitive. However, his aspirations to represent his country were cut short when he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics, a decision that drew criticism from within the Clippers organization.
Clippers' Reaction to Olympic Exclusion
The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team did not sit well with Clippers' president Lawrence Frank, who voiced his dissatisfaction with how the situation was handled.
"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, highlighting his belief in Leonard’s readiness and capability.
Frank's concern stemmed from his extensive experience with Leonard's physical condition. "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."
Change is in the Air
The Clippers, however, are not just dealing with issues related to Leonard. The offseason brought its share of significant roster changes, most notably the departure of Paul George, who left the team for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This move has naturally sparked discussions about the Clippers' competitive viability moving forward.
In response, Ty Lue has shown no signs of backing down from the challenge. "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 stated, underscoring his determination to prove doubters wrong.
New Beginnings
In addition to navigating player health and roster changes, the Clippers are eagerly anticipating the inauguration of their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This marks a new chapter for the franchise, one that they hope will be filled with success and fewer injury woes.
As the Clippers gear up for training camp, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard’s progress and the team’s readiness to take on the new season with a revamped roster. With Ty Lue’s confidence, the organization’s support, and a fresh start in a new arena, the Clippers aim to confront the upcoming season with resilience and vigor.