As the Los Angeles Clippers gear up for an eventful season, optimism surrounds the franchise with head coach Ty Lue expressing confidence in star forward Kawhi Leonard's readiness for the upcoming training camp. After a tumultuous season marked by knee issues that sidelined Leonard for crucial stages, his anticipated return is a beacon of hope for the Clippers.
“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,” asserted Lue, exuding confidence in Leonard's recovery. The Clippers will kick off their training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a locale that perhaps symbolizes the fresh start they aim to achieve.
Leonard's knee problems last season were significant, causing him to miss the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. His absence continued into the playoffs, where he was sorely missed in key matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. The prolonged recovery process kept Leonard out of the initial roster for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics, a decision that spurred notable disappointment within the Clippers' management.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank did not mince words about the exclusion of Leonard 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 commented, emphasizing his belief in Leonard's readiness.
Stepping in for Leonard on the Team USA roster was Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, a move that highlighted the depth of talent in the USA's basketball pool but left a void for Leonard, who was eager to represent his country. “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,” added Frank, underscoring the disappointment felt within the Clippers' front office.
A New Chapter in Honolulu
The Clippers’ training camp in Honolulu not only marks the return of Leonard but also the start of a new journey as they face the challenge of continuing without Paul George. George, a critical component of the team in recent years, left the Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
“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 remarked, indicating his resolve to defy the odds and lead the team to success despite this significant loss.
A New Home Awaits
The Clippers will further embrace a new era with the inauguration of their new arena on October 23, where they will face off against the Phoenix Suns. This state-of-the-art venue is expected to be a game-changer for the team, providing a fresh environment and sparking renewed energy among the players and fans alike.
As the team prepares to open this new chapter, the return of Kawhi Leonard is pivotal. The Clippers’ trajectory in the upcoming season heavily hinges on his performance and ability to stay healthy. The synergistic potential with teammates, coupled with Lue's strategic prowess, forecasts an intriguing season ahead.
With the starting point of their journey set in the scenic locales of Honolulu, the Clippers are poised to not just bounce back from adversity, but to redefine their path to triumph. Amidst uncertainties and the lingering impact of previous setbacks, the fusion of tenacity and leadership exhibited by Leonard and Lue holds promise for the team's aspirations.