As the calendar inches closer to October, Los Angeles Clippers fans have reasons for cautious optimism. Head coach Ty Lue is expressing strong confidence that their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, will be ready to participate when the team’s training camp begins on October 1 in Honolulu, Hawaii. This reassurance comes after Leonard's previous season struggles with persistent knee issues, which led to him missing the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation and rendering him absent for important playoff contests against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard's battle with injuries seemed to be on the mend as he took part in a mini-camp with Team USA in Las Vegas before the Tokyo Olympics. However, his efforts were in vain when he was ultimately replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Clippers president Lawrence Frank openly expressed his discontent over 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. Frank also felt that more time should have been given to assess Leonard's condition fully. "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," he added.
Ty Lue, who maintains close communication with Leonard, shared his optimistic outlook. "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 affirmed. This sentiment comes as a welcome relief to Clippers supporters who have been eagerly awaiting Leonard's return to full fitness.
In a more turbulent twist, the Clippers are also navigating the off-season personnel changes, most notably the departure of Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers via free agency. The loss of George is a significant blow, but it also brings an opportunity for the remaining Clippers to rise to the challenge. Ty Lue's competitive spirit seems undeterred by the roster change. "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]," he remarked.
The upcoming season also features a milestone for the Clippers as they prepare to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 with a game against the Phoenix Suns. This event is poised to be a landmark moment in the franchise's history, symbolizing not only a new home but also a new chapter for the team, which hopes to overcome the challenges of the previous seasons.
With these developments, the Clippers face a critical period. The anticipation surrounding Leonard’s return and the team's adjustments following George’s exit will undoubtedly shape their path forward. As they regroup for the start of training camp in Honolulu, the focus will be on synergy, strategy, and ensuring that Leonard's recovery proceeds smoothly.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as these storylines unfold. The Clippers' resilience in the face of adversity could set the tone for their season and potentially elevate them to a new level of competition. For now, all eyes are on October 1, when the Clippers will begin their journey with renewed hope and determination.