Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue remains optimistic about star forward Kawhi Leonard's readiness for the upcoming season. Confidence in Leonard's recovery is paramount as the team heads into training camp, set to commence on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard's health has been a pivotal concern following a season marred by knee issues that sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games and crucial playoff clashes against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard, renowned for his resilience and skill, made efforts to stay in competitive shape, participating in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Despite this, he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Games. The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team did not sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
"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 expressed. His sentiments echoed the frustration within the Clippers' camp, highlighting their belief in Leonard's capabilities and readiness.
Yet, with the NBA season on the horizon, the Clippers are focused on their own preparation. Lue, who has been in regular contact with Leonard, shared, "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." This reassurance signals Leonard's potential return to form, which the team desperately needs following their recent roster changes.
Notably, the Clippers faced a significant shift with Paul George departing for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This move has led to considerable speculation about the team's competitive edge in the upcoming season. However, Lue views the change as an opportunity rather than a setback, remarking, "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]."
As the Clippers gear up for a fresh start, they are also set to make a significant move off the court. October 23 will mark the inauguration of their new arena with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This milestone underscores the team's ambitions and growth, aiming to establish a new chapter in their history.
As Lue and his team prepare for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Leonard's performance and the Clippers' ability to adapt to their new dynamics. For now, the focus remains on honed preparation and leveraging their collective strength to face the rigorous demands of the NBA season.