Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue enters the upcoming NBA season with a sense of optimism, as he confidently stated that star forward Kawhi Leonard is on track to participate in the team's training camp. This year's camp, set to commence on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is pivotal for the Clippers, especially given Leonard's injury woes last season.
Kawhi Leonard's Health Status
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, struggled with knee problems throughout the last season, which ultimately sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. As if the regular-season absence wasn't troubling enough, Leonard's knee issues also kept him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, dampening the Clippers' postseason hopes.
Despite these setbacks, Leonard has shown signs of readiness. He participated in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. Nevertheless, Leonard was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics, a decision that Clippers president Lawrence Frank found disappointing.
Lawrence Frank's Take
"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision," said Frank. "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 elaborated further, expressing his frustration over the lack of consideration for Leonard's ongoing recovery. "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."
Paul George's Departure
Adding to the Clippers' challenges this season is the departure of Paul George, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. George's exit has undoubtedly left a void in the team's lineup. Ty Lue, however, remains undeterred by the skepticism surrounding the team's prospects without George.
"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," Lue stated. "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]."
Looking Ahead: Training Camp and New Arena
All eyes will be on Leonard as the Clippers embark on their training camp in Hawaii. A healthy Leonard could significantly alter the team's fortunes, providing the skill and leadership needed to fill the gap left by George. Lue's confidence in Leonard's readiness is a beacon of hope for Clippers fans, who are eager to see their star player back in action.
The upcoming season also marks the inauguration of the Clippers' new arena, with the first game scheduled for October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This new home brings not just a state-of-the-art facility but also a fresh start for a team looking to rewrite the narrative and prove doubters wrong.
As the Clippers gear up for a pivotal training camp and the new season, the stakes are high. Leonard's return to form, the integration of new and existing talent, and the motivation stemming from underestimation could conspire to make this a season to remember for Ty Lue and his squad.