Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has expressed confidence that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready when training camp commences on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Leonard, who faced significant knee issues last season, missed the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation and was consequently absent from crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite his injury troubles, Leonard was proactive in his recovery, participating in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. However, his knee problems led to his replacement on the Team USA roster by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, a decision that didn't sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank.
"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision," Frank said. "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's frustration stemmed from his belief in Leonard's readiness and capabilities despite his recent injury history. "I expressed to them, I really wish that they would have given Kawhi more time," Frank noted. "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."
As the Clippers gear up for training camp, the team faces another significant change with the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This shift adds another layer of challenge for the squad, but Ty 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," Lue remarked. "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 scheduled to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a game against the Phoenix Suns. Expectations are high for Leonard’s return and the team’s overall potential, given the new circumstances and changes within the roster.
It remains to be seen how Leonard’s recovery and the subsequent integration into the training regimen will unfold, but the team is optimistic. "I speak to him all the time. He'll be ready for [Clippers] training camp," Lue reiterated. "He's feeling good and I know he'll be ready for training camp."
The Clippers' upcoming season is set against a backdrop of change and anticipation, with a new training camp location, a new arena, and significant roster adjustments. Yet, the focus remains steadfast on the court and the performance of Kawhi Leonard, whose health and readiness could define the Clippers’ season trajectory.