Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is optimistic about the upcoming NBA season. Lue expressed confidence that star forward Kawhi Leonard will be ready when the Clippers' training camp begins 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 remarked, providing assurances to fans and analysts.
Knee Troubles and Comebacks
The previous season was marred by knee issues for Leonard, which kept him off the court for the last eight regular-season games due to inflammation. The situation hit a low point when Leonard was sidelined during critical playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Such setbacks raised concerns about his long-term fitness and ability to maintain peak performance.
Despite his knee problems, Leonard's skills were clear, so much so that he was initially included in Team USA's minicamp in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. However, the opportunity to showcase his talent on the global stage was cut short, and Leonard was subsequently replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank did not hide his disappointment over the decision to exclude 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 said, lamenting the missed opportunity. Frank felt that USAB should have given Leonard more time to prove his fitness. "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," he added.
Change in Roster
The Clippers will face additional challenges this season following the departure of Paul George, who chose to leave for the Philadelphia 76ers during free agency. Coach Lue seems undeterred by the change, viewing it as motivation rather than a setback. "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 asserted.
The departure of George generates both skepticism and excitement as the team looks to other players to step up and fill the void. The Clippers are no strangers to adversity, and with Leonard aiming for a strong comeback, the set of fresh challenges could invigorate the team's spirit and resolve.
New Beginnings
October will not only see the Clippers regroup in Honolulu but also mark a significant milestone for the franchise. On October 23, the Clippers will inaugurate their new arena in a much-anticipated game against the Phoenix Suns. The new facility is expected to bring a renewed sense of pride and energy to both the players and fans.
In conclusion, the Clippers are gearing up for a transformative season. With Kawhi Leonard expected to return to full strength, and the team rallying around the challenges of losing a key player like Paul George, there is a palpable sense of determination and optimism. The team's journey will undoubtedly be closely watched as they look to make a major impact in the NBA season ahead.