The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for what promises to be an eventful training camp starting October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Head coach Ty Lue is optimistic, particularly about the return of their star forward Kawhi Leonard, who has been battling knee problems. Lue's confidence is palpable as he asserts, “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.”
Leonard's knee issues were a significant setback last season, ultimately sidelining him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. His absence was acutely felt during crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the Clippers to navigate the postseason without their cornerstone player.
Despite the hurdles, Leonard has remained active in the basketball scene. He participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. However, his Olympic dreams were dashed when he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Clippers President Lawrence Frank voiced his displeasure with the decision, stating, “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.”
The exclusion of Leonard from the Olympic team has added a layer of complexity to his relationship with national basketball bodies. 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.”
While Leonard's return is turning heads, the Clippers are also adapting to significant changes within their roster. The departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency marks a new chapter for the team. Reflecting on this transition, Ty Lue said, "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 not merely focused on patching up their past wounds; they have significant plans for the future, including inaugurating their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This event will be a milestone for the team, symbolizing both a fresh start and a commitment to future growth.
With Ty Lue's unwavering confidence, Kawhi Leonard's anticipated return, and a roster undergoing vital changes, the Clippers are charting a course focused on resilience and renewal. As training camp looms, the team is immersed in preparations, hopeful that this season will offer the redemption and success that has eluded them in recent years. Basketball fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the Clippers aim to reestablish themselves as formidable contenders in the NBA landscape.