Ty Lue Confident in Kawhi Leonard's Return for Clippers' Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is brimming with confidence as his team gears up for the upcoming season. The focal point of Lue’s optimism? None other than star forward Kawhi Leonard. After a tumultuous season marred by knee problems, Lue is certain that Leonard will be ready when training camp kicks off 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 expressed, signaling a positive turn of events for both Leonard and the Clippers' fan base.
Leonard’s knee issues were a significant hurdle last season, sidelining him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. His absence was acutely felt in critical matchups, particularly during the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these setbacks, Leonard’s participation in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics showcased his determination to stay active and involved in basketball’s highest levels.
However, Leonard's Olympic aspirations were dashed when he was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Tokyo Games. The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team didn't sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank. “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 lamented. “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.”
The Clippers, nevertheless, are setting their sights on the future with optimism. On October 1, training camp will commence in the serene settings of Honolulu, providing a fresh slate for the team. Yet, it's undeniable that the Clippers will have to navigate the upcoming season without Paul George, who left the team for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. This significant void could serve as a challenging hurdle for the team.
Ty Lue, however, doesn’t shy away from such challenges. “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,” Lue acknowledged. “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' resilience and willingness to adapt will be critical as they prepare to open their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. The excitement of a new home ground compounded with Leonard's expected return creates a compelling narrative for the Clippers’ upcoming season. Despite the off-season uncertainties and roster changes, there remains a palpable sense of determination within the organization to overcome obstacles and exceed expectations.
Lue's confidence in Leonard's recovery and readiness for the season could be the catalyst the Clippers need to push forward. As training camp nears, the team and its supporters will eagerly await the return of their star forward, ready to witness what could be a defining chapter in the Clippers' journey.
The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the Clipper Nation stands united, anticipating a season filled with challenges, but also with hope and potential triumph.