Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue remains optimistic about Kawhi Leonard's readiness for the upcoming NBA season. As the Clippers prepare to head to Honolulu, Hawaii, for their training camp starting on October 1, Lue is confident that Leonard will be in top condition. "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," said Lue.
Leonard's recent struggles with knee issues have been a talking point, given that the star forward was sidelined for the final eight regular-season games last year due to inflammation. His absence was painfully felt during significant playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, raising concerns about his long-term health and impact on the team’s performance.
Despite this setback, Leonard showcased his commitment and resilience by participating in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. However, his Olympic dreams were cut short as he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Clippers president Lawrence Frank did not hide his disappointment with this decision. "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.
Frank further expressed his frustration with how Leonard’s situation was handled by the national team selectors. "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,” he said, emphasizing the Clippers’ unique insight into Leonard’s capabilities and condition.
This optimism could not come at a more crucial time for the Clippers, who are facing a transformative period with significant roster changes. Paul George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has left a void in the lineup, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the team. "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 remarked, underscoring his determination to keep the team competitive.
The upcoming training camp in Honolulu will be pivotal for the Clippers as they look to integrate new players and build chemistry without George. Leonard’s participation and performance will be under close scrutiny to assess if he can return to his peak form and lead the team effectively. As the Clippers gear up for the season, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching Leonard's progress and the team’s overall dynamics.
Adding to the excitement, the Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This milestone event will mark a new chapter in the team's history, further amplifying the anticipation for the upcoming season. With the stakes high and expectations rising, the Clippers are poised to face the trials ahead with a mix of cautious optimism and unyielding resolve.
In the landscape of professional basketball, health and readiness often dictate the fate of a team’s season. For the Clippers, Leonard's well-being and Ty Lue’s strategic acumen will be instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by roster changes and league competition. As training camp draws near, all eyes will be on Leonard, whose return could spell a significant boost to the Clippers' playoff aspirations.