Los Angeles Clippers' head coach Ty Lue is optimistic about the upcoming season, anticipating that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be fully prepared for training camp set to begin on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard's availability has been a pressing concern for the team, particularly after the star forward grappled with knee issues that sidelined him for the last eight regular-season games and critical playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks last season.
Despite his absence during crucial moments, Leonard's participation in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July marked a positive milestone in his recovery. However, he was subsequently replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White on the Olympic roster, a decision that stirred disappointment within the Clippers' organization.
"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 affirmed, emphasizing Leonard's progress and readiness.
Leonard's Olympic Snub
The Clippers' disappointment extended beyond just their coaching staff. Lawrence Frank, the team's president, voiced his objections to USA Basketball (USAB) for their decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team. "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. He further elaborated, "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."
This sentiment underscores the Clippers' belief in Leonard's capabilities and readiness, spotlighting the broader implications of his health on the team's prospects. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Clippers are gearing up to embark on a fresh chapter of competition and resilience.
Changes and Challenges
Adding to the Clippers' challenges, the team experienced a significant roster shake-up during the off-season with Paul George leaving for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This departure has fueled speculation about the Clippers' ability to remain competitive in the highly contested Western Conference.
Nevertheless, Coach Lue remains undeterred by such doubts. "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]."
New Beginnings
The upcoming season will also see the Clippers inaugurate their new arena on October 23, in a highly anticipated game against the Phoenix Suns. This new arena symbolizes a fresh start and new energy for the team and its supporters, setting the stage for a memorable chapter in Clippers' history.
As the Clippers head to Hawaii for their preseason training, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard. His performance and health will be closely observed, serving as a barometer for the team’s potential success. The optimism surrounding Leonard's recovery and preparation for the season is a promising signal for fans and the organization alike, as they aim to overcome past setbacks and strive for a victorious campaign.
In sum, the Los Angeles Clippers face the upcoming season with a blend of anticipation and determination. With key figures like Ty Lue instilling confidence and Kawhi Leonard making strides in his recovery, the Clippers are poised to confront challenges head-on, eager to make their mark in the NBA landscape once again.