Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is brimming with confidence about the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard, who has been battling persistent knee problems. As the Clippers gear up for their training camp beginning October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lue has assured fans and the organization that Leonard will be ready to hit the ground running.
"I speak to him all the time. He'll be ready for [Clippers] training camp," Lue said. "He's feeling good and I know he'll be ready for training camp."
Leonard's road to recovery has been rocky, to say the least. Knee issues plagued him throughout last season, ultimately forcing him to sit out the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation. The same knee problems also kept him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, Leonard showed glimpses of his old self when he participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. Despite his efforts, Leonard was ultimately sidelined from the Olympic roster, a decision that Clippers president Lawrence Frank found disappointing.
"It was USAB's call, and I was, quite frankly, very disappointed with the decision. Kawhi wanted to play. We wanted him to play," Frank revealed. "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 a deep belief in Leonard's readiness and capabilities. "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," Frank added.
The Clippers organization isn't just contending with Leonard's health; they are also navigating a significant roster change. Paul George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has undoubtedly left a void. However, Ty Lue remains undaunted by the challenge.
"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 stated. "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 looking to turn the page and focus on the upcoming season. With Leonard's return and the team preparing to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, there's a renewed sense of optimism in the air. The team's training camp in Honolulu not only provides a scenic backdrop but also an opportunity for the Clippers to regroup and galvanize around their star forward's comeback.
As the new season approaches, staying healthy will be the key priority for Leonard and his teammates. With Lue's leadership and Leonard's talent, the Clippers are aiming to silence the critics and prove they remain a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.