As the Los Angeles Clippers gear up for training camp, head coach Ty Lue is expressing optimism about the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard. Lue's confidence stems from continuous communication and encouraging updates on Leonard's health. "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.
Leonard's previous season was marred by knee problems, which eventually sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. These issues also kept him out of critical playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the setbacks, Leonard's commitment to his recovery process has been unwavering.
Kawhi Leonard's Road to Recovery
Leonard participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, where he aimed to test his readiness on an international scale. However, he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Tokyo Olympics. 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 revealed.
Frank continued to emphasize his faith in Leonard's capabilities and 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," Frank added.
Challenges and Motivation
The upcoming season presents new challenges for the Clippers, especially after the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The loss of a player of George's caliber might be seen as a setback for the team, but Coach Lue views it as an additional 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]," Lue declared.
Training Camp in Honolulu
The Clippers are set to start their training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a destination that might offer a blend of initial relaxation and rigorous training for the players. This unique setting can also contribute to building team chemistry and focus as they look forward to the upcoming season.
Beyond training camp, the Clippers have marked October 23 on their calendar for an additional significant event—the inauguration of their new arena. The team will christen the venue with a game against the Phoenix Suns, a moment that signifies a fresh chapter for the franchise.
With Leonard's anticipated return, a determined coaching staff, and a revamped roster, the Clippers are primed to tackle the upcoming NBA season with renewed vigor. The hope is that Leonard's presence on the court will not only reinvigorate the team's performance but also solidify their standing as strong competitors in the league.