Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue is brimming with confidence that the team’s key player, Kawhi Leonard, will be ready to hit the ground running as training camp begins on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This optimism comes despite Leonard battling knee issues that plagued him throughout the previous season, ultimately sidelining him for the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation.
Leonard's knee problems were severe enough to keep him out of crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, further aggravating the Clippers' season woes. However, his participation in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July signaled a potential return to form. Nevertheless, Leonard was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White for the Olympics, a decision that raised some eyebrows within the Clippers' organization.
Ty Lue's Optimism
Speaking on Leonard’s readiness for the upcoming season, Ty Lue was clear and assertive. "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 mentioned. This close communication between the coach and the player seems to bolster Lue’s confidence in Leonard’s condition and readiness.
The Clippers’ head coach will be relying heavily on Leonard, especially after the departure of Paul George, who left the Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Addressing George’s absence, Lue shared, "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]."
Lawrence Frank's Disappointment
The Clippers’ president, Lawrence Frank, did not mince words regarding 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 stated. This sentiment is echoed by Frank’s belief in Leonard's physical readiness.
Frank’s familiarity with Leonard over the past five years lends credence to his assessment. "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." This strong assertion from Frank underscores the Clippers' confidence in Leonard’s health and capabilities going forward.
Upcoming Season and Expectations
The Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. This will be an event to watch, given the anticipation surrounding Leonard’s return and the team’s adjustment post-Paul George. The Clippers’ performance in these early games will be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the season.
As the team gears up for training camp, the reinforcement of Leonard’s readiness and the motivation derived from skeptics' doubts will be pivotal. The blend of internal confidence and external skepticism could serve as a powerful catalyst for the Clippers’ performance this season.
With Ty Lue at the helm, supported by an encouraging front office, and a rejuvenated Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers aim to defy expectations and establish themselves as strong contenders. The narrative that unfolds in Honolulu will be a precursor to the storyline of their season, making this training camp one of the most highly anticipated in recent years.