Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue exudes confidence as training camp approaches, bolstered by the expected return of star forward Kawhi Leonard on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard, who grappled with knee issues last season, missed the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation, raising concerns about his long-term fitness.
"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 assured fans and analysts alike, putting to rest any lingering doubts about Leonard's condition.
Leonard's Battle with Knee Problems
The star forward's knee troubles also deprived the Clippers of his prowess in crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite a valiant effort from the rest of the team, his absence left a palpable void in their lineup. Leonard's readiness for the upcoming season is a crucial factor for the Clippers' aspirations.
In addition to his issues during the regular season, Leonard's participation in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics showed his commitment to returning to peak performance. However, despite his evident determination, Team USA decided to replace him with Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympic roster, a decision that Clippers president Lawrence Frank did not take lightly.
"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision," Frank admitted. "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."
Disappointment with USAB Decision
Frank's frustration extended to the handling of Leonard's situation by the national team. "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 added, voicing his concerns about the exclusion.
The Clippers' hope for a strong comeback season is further challenged by the departure of Paul George, who left the team for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. George's exit has undoubtedly impacted the team's dynamics, yet Lue remains unfazed.
Response to Paul George's Departure
"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," Lue reflected. "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]."
The Clippers will inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a game against the Phoenix Suns, a highly anticipated event for the team and fans alike. As the team looks ahead to the opening of their state-of-the-art facility, the emphasis remains on solidifying their roster and ensuring key players like Leonard are fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
As the clock ticks down to the start of training camp, the Clippers' resolve and preparation will be critical in navigating the upcoming season. With Lue's unwavering belief in Leonard's recovery and the team's collective hunger to defy expectations, the Clippers aim to make a resounding statement in the NBA landscape.