Injury Concerns Loom, but Clippers Optimistic as Training Camp Nears
As the Los Angeles Clippers gear up for their training camp starting October 1 in the scenic locale of Honolulu, Hawaii, all eyes are on star forward Kawhi Leonard. Head coach Ty Lue exudes confidence that Leonard, who struggled with knee problems last season, will be on the court and ready to compete.
"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," Ty Lue asserted. Leonard’s knee issues were not just a minor hiccup; they sidelined him for the final eight regular-season games and crucial playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, marking the end of a season filled with what-ifs for the talented forward and his team.
In spite of the setbacks, Leonard has been actively working towards a return. He participated in a mini camp with Team USA in Las Vegas in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Yet, in a move that left many baffled, including Clippers president Lawrence Frank, Leonard was excluded from the Olympic squad and replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White.
"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.
Such unexpected exclusion was a hard pill to swallow, especially considering the fact that Leonard seemed physically ready to contribute according to those close to him. "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, providing a glimpse into the frustration felt within the Clippers' leadership.
As training camp approaches, the Clippers are not just dealing with injury concerns but also roster changes. Most significantly, Paul George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has left a gaping hole in the team’s lineup. George has been a cornerstone for the Clippers, and his absence will undeniably be felt.
Ty Lue, however, sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback. "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 said, revealing an unyielding determination to prove the naysayers wrong.
The Clippers' resilience will be put to test from the get-go, as they prepare to inaugurate their new arena on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns. The event is set to herald a new chapter for the Clippers, infusing the team with fresh energy and enthusiasm, something they are in dire need of after a tumultuous season.
While the uncertainties surrounding Leonard’s health continue to hover like a cloud, the Clippers are hopeful that the worst is behind them. Leonard’s presence on the court is pivotal for the team’s aspirations, and his progress in the coming weeks will be watched closely by fans, teammates, and the league alike.
As the date for training camp draws nearer, the atmosphere around the Clippers is one of cautious optimism. They have the talent, they have the drive, and with Leonard’s anticipated return, they might just have the piece they need to set the tone for a strong season.