Los Angeles Clippers' head coach Ty Lue remains steadfast in his belief that Kawhi Leonard will be an active participant when the team's training camp commences on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Clippers' star forward spent much of last season grappling with persistent knee issues, a challenge that sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation.
Despite being poised to make an impact in the playoffs, Leonard's knee problems kept him out of pivotal matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. His absence was keenly felt, but Lue’s confidence in Leonard's recovery is unwavering. "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 emphasized.
Kawhi Leonard and the Olympic Squad Debacle
Leonard’s knee troubles also led to significant disappointment on the international stage. Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Leonard participated in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas. Surprisingly, he was later replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Clippers president Lawrence Frank did not mask his discontent 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 detailed.
The Upcoming Season and New Challenges
As the Clippers prepare to embark on their new season, there’s an air of renewed determination within the organization. The team will also celebrate a new milestone, as they prepare to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a game against the Phoenix Suns. This new home offers a fresh beginning, but the departures and arrivals during the offseason have redrawn the battle lines.
One significant change is the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics of the team. Ty Lue acknowledged the impact but saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback. "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 asserted.
Looking Forward
The journey ahead may be filled with uncertainties, but the Clippers are anchored by a mix of seasoned players and new talents ready to make their mark. Leonard’s anticipated return is a beacon of hope for the Clippers' faithful, who are eager to see their star forward back in action and in full health. The team’s resilience, underscored by Lue’s motivational approach, hints at a season where the unexpected can be overcome through unity and relentless effort.
As the Clippers gear up for their early October training camp in the aloha state, all eyes will be on Leonard, whose recovery and readiness could pivotally shape the Clippers' season. Lawrence Frank's faith in Leonard echoes the sentiment within the organization—a belief that, despite past setbacks, the road ahead holds promise and potential glory.