As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to embark on a new season, hopes are high that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready and raring to go. Clippers head coach Ty Lue is confident about Leonard's return to action when the team kicks off its training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard, who has been battling knee problems since last season, missed the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. Ty Lue reassured fans and the organization, stating, "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."
The absence of Leonard was notably felt during the playoffs when he was sidelined in crucial matchups against the Dallas Mavericks due to his knee issues. The knee problems have been a lingering concern for Leonard, who even participated in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. Despite his efforts, Leonard was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympic team.
Clippers President Expresses Disappointment
The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic roster did not sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank. Frank lamented the judgment call made by USA Basketball (USAB), expressing his disappointment. "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 said.
Frank further emphasized the discrepancy in the assessment of Leonard's condition, stressing the intimate knowledge the Clippers have of their star player. "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.
Upcoming Season Amid Paul George's Departure
As the Clippers set their sights on the future, they face the additional challenge of moving forward without Paul George, who left the team for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The departure of George, a key player for the Clippers, has led to skepticism about the team's competitiveness this upcoming season. However, Coach Ty Lue appears undeterred by these doubts, using them as 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]," said Lue.
New Beginnings with a New Arena
One of the highlights of the upcoming season for the Clippers will be inaugurating their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This new venue marks a significant milestone for the franchise and its fans, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the team's journey. The organization's commitment to success is reflected not only in the state-of-the-art arena but also in their confidence that key players like Leonard will be ready to contribute effectively.
As the training camp date approaches, all eyes will be on Honolulu to see if Leonard indeed makes the comeback that Coach Lue anticipates. The Clippers' ability to overcome recent setbacks and take advantage of their new facilities will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming season. Despite the loss of George and the lingering uncertainty around Leonard's health, the Clippers appear poised to embrace these challenges head-on, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and determination.