Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue remains optimistic about the upcoming NBA season, expressing confidence in star forward Kawhi Leonard’s readiness for training camp, set to commence on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
"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 shared, alleviating concerns among fans and analysts alike regarding Leonard’s health.
Leonard's previous season was marred by persistent knee issues, forcing him to miss the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. His absence was felt even more acutely during the playoffs, where he was sidelined against the Dallas Mavericks, a critical series for the Clippers.
Despite his physical setbacks, Leonard showcased his commitment and drive by participating in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. His efforts, however, were cut short when Boston Celtics guard Derrick White replaced him on the Olympic roster.
The Clippers' president Lawrence Frank voiced his dismay at Leonard’s exclusion from the Olympic team. "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 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."
The Clippers' upcoming training camp in Honolulu will be a crucial period for the team, especially following the departure of Paul George, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers during free agency. Lue addressed the challenge head-on, noting, "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]."
The Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 in a match against the Phoenix Suns, marking a new chapter in the franchise's history. The organization hopes that Leonard’s return to full health, coupled with the new training regimen, will forge a resilient squad capable of overcoming the adversity they've faced.
With the new NBA season on the horizon, all eyes will be on how the Clippers manage these transitions and whether Leonard’s resurgence will lead them to the heights they aspire to reach. The commitment from the coaching staff and the determination of the players like Leonard indicates that, despite the setbacks, the Clippers are gearing up for a season full of promise and potential.