Kawhi Leonard Ready for Clippers Training Camp in Hawaii
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has expressed strong confidence that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready as training camp kicks off on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lue, who regularly keeps in touch with Leonard, is optimistic about the player's condition despite his prolonged knee issues.
"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," said Lue.
Leonard's knee problems significantly affected his performance last season. He was notably sidelined for the final eight regular-season games because of inflammation and missed pivotal playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. These absences were keenly felt by the Clippers, who struggled without their star player on the court.
In a bid to return to peak form, Leonard participated in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. However, despite his efforts and willingness to compete, he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics, a decision that left Clippers president Lawrence Frank disappointed.
"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 shared.
Leonard's exclusion from the Olympic team was a contentious point for Frank, who believed in Leonard's readiness and form. "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.
Amid these challenges, the Clippers are setting their sights on a fresh start with their training camp in Hawaii. This move is part of a larger strategy to prepare the team for a strong upcoming season, particularly as they inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns.
Adding to the Clippers' list of offseason changes, Paul George departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, a move that has sparked various reactions and questions about the Clippers' prospects for the upcoming season. Yet, Ty Lue remains undeterred, viewing this as an opportunity to prove the critics wrong.
"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 said.
The Clippers' ability to overcome the significant changes and challenges in their lineup will be crucial as they enter the new season. As the team gathers in Hawaii, the focus will be on integrating new players, refining strategies, and ensuring that Leonard can perform at his best.
Despite the setbacks of the previous season and offseason, the Clippers are poised to tackle the upcoming NBA season with renewed vigor and resilience. The blend of experienced leadership from Lue, the return of a revitalized Kawhi Leonard, and the determination to prove doubters wrong sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling season for Clippers fans and basketball enthusiasts alike.