Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue has expressed a strong sense of assurance regarding the readiness of star forward Kawhi Leonard for the upcoming season. "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 said. This news brings a sigh of relief for Clippers fans, especially in the wake of Leonard's troubling knee issues that plagued him last season.
Leonard’s injury woes began to rear their head quite prominently towards the end of the regular season, severely limiting his involvement. He was sidelined for the final eight regular-season games due to knee inflammation. His absence was deeply felt during crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, where his presence could have potentially altered the course of the Clippers' playoff run.
In an attempt to regain his fitness, Leonard participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July. Despite his efforts, he was eventually replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White on the Olympic roster. The decision to exclude Leonard from the Olympic team did not sit well with Clippers president Lawrence Frank, who expressed his disappointment. "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 noted.
Frank's frustration echoes the sentiments of many who believed that Leonard deserved more time to prove his readiness. "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," added Frank. This level of confidence in Leonard's abilities underscores his importance to both the Clippers and any team he suits up for.
As the Clippers prepare to kick off their training camp on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the focus will undoubtedly be on Leonard's form and his ability to stay healthy throughout the season. His return is eagerly anticipated, especially given the significant roster changes the Clippers have undergone.
One of the most notable changes has been the departure of Paul George, who left the Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. George's exit has led to many questioning the Clippers' competitive edge for the upcoming season. However, Lue remains undeterred by these doubts. "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 stated.
The Clippers are set to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 in a clash against the Phoenix Suns. This significant milestone promises to be a fresh start for the team, hoping to make a definitive statement with their performance. With Leonard back in the fold and the inevitable adjustments following George’s departure, the Clippers find themselves at a crucial juncture.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Leonard's progress and the team's chemistry as they navigate the challenges of the new season. The Clippers’ journey ahead is packed with uncertainties, but also immense potential, hinging largely on Kawhi Leonard’s health and performance.