Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue remains optimistic as the team gears up for the upcoming NBA season. Lue is confident that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be fully prepared for the Clippers’ training camp, which begins on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Leonard’s recent history with knee problems has been a concern for the Clippers. He missed the final eight regular-season games last season due to knee inflammation and was also sidelined during critical playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these setbacks, Leonard’s dedication to his recovery has been evident, and Lue is confident in his player’s readiness.
Lue revealed, "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 optimism from the coach suggests that Leonard has made significant strides in his recovery and is poised to make a strong return.
Leonard was an active participant in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. Yet despite his efforts, he was ultimately excluded from the Olympic team, much to the dismay of 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, clearly disheartened by the omission.
Frank's disappointment was palpable, as he added, "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." His remarks reflect the confidence the Clippers’ organization has in Leonard’s abilities and physical condition.
The exclusion of Leonard from the Olympics team brought additional scrutiny and concern over his health. But, as the Clippers prepare for their training camp in Honolulu, the focus shifts back to the NBA season and Leonard's role in it.
Challenges and Changes Ahead
The offseason also saw a significant roster change for the Clippers. Paul George, one of their key players, departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This move has undoubtedly left a gap in the team's lineup, but Lue remains undeterred. "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 stated, showcasing his determination to lead the Clippers to success despite the loss.
A New Home for the Clippers
Adding to the buzz around the Clippers is the inauguration of their new arena. The team will christen their state-of-the-art facility on October 23 in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. This new venue marks a significant milestone in the franchise's history and is expected to provide an energizing atmosphere for both players and fans alike.
As the Clippers prepare for an eventful season, the upcoming training camp in Honolulu will be critical in setting the tone. With Lue’s confidence in Leonard’s readiness and the determination to overcome the absence of Paul George, the Clippers have set their sights on a strong performance. The new arena adds to the anticipation, promising a fresh chapter for the team and its supporters.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Ty Lue's faith in Kawhi Leonard's recovery and readiness for the season, coupled with the franchise's collective resolve to succeed despite roster changes, paints a promising picture for what's to come. As they inaugurate their new arena and embark on a new season, the Clippers are focused on overcoming past challenges and achieving new heights.