Kawhi Leonard Set to Lead Clippers at Training Camp
With the Los Angeles Clippers' training camp rapidly approaching, head coach Ty Lue is confident that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready to hit the ground running 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 stated, expressing his optimism about Leonard's readiness.
Leonard, who struggled with knee issues last season, saw his troubles culminate in missing the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. His absence was sorely felt as the Clippers battled through critical playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks without their star forward.
Leonard's Summer Activities
Despite his rocky season, Leonard didn't stay off the court for long. He took part in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July, demonstrating his commitment to returning stronger. However, his efforts fell short as he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympic roster, a decision that took Clippers president Lawrence Frank by surprise. "It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play," Frank lamented. "I was there the first two practices. He looked very good. Participated, was a full participant in everything that they did."
Frank's sentiment echoes a broader frustration within the Clippers organization regarding Leonard's exclusion from the national team. "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," Frank added, underscoring his belief that Leonard was capable of contributing on the international stage. "So, he looked good to me."
New Beginnings Amidst Change
The Clippers are not just focused on Leonard's return; the team is also navigating significant changes in the roster and facilities. Paul George, a key player for the Clippers, departed to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, raising questions about the team’s competitive edge for the upcoming season. Ty Lue addressed these concerns head-on, saying, "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]."
Adding a new chapter to their history, the Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This significant milestone marks a new era for the franchise, as they aim to establish a stronghold in their freshly minted venue.
Optimism for the Upcoming Season
As the Clippers head into training camp in Honolulu, the focus remains not only on Leonard’s recovery but also on integrating new team dynamics and leveraging their state-of-the-art arena to build momentum. The blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, along with substantial institutional changes, signals an intriguing season ahead for the Clippers.
Coach Ty Lue's confidence in Kawhi Leonard's return and optimism for the team’s prospects aptly captures the determined spirit of the Clippers. With preparations for training camp finalized and the anticipation of christening their new arena building, the Los Angeles Clippers are poised to confront the challenges of the upcoming NBA season head-on.