Ingram’s recovery stalls Clippers’ plans; start of season uncertain
The Los Angeles Clippers’ plans for the coming season were clouded Monday when the team confirmed forward Brandon Ingram will be delayed as he recovers from surgery on a right heel that also revealed a partial Achilles tendon tear. There is no timetable yet for the two-time All-Star’s return to play, the team said.
Ingram, who was at the Clippers’ media day in Inglewood and addressed reporters, said his recovery has been progressing but that he will not take part in much of training camp. "My recovery has been going good," he said. "I won’t be participating in training camp much but I will be out there a little bit."
Team officials said the Achilles damage was not previously disclosed and was discovered and treated while Ingram underwent surgery on his heel in May.
“It wasn’t until we got our hands on (Ingram) here that we started to see where he was at with his progression,” said interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden.
Redden added that Ingram "won’t be ready for the start of the season, and we’ll reevaluate when we get there." The announcement comes after Ingram was acquired by the Clippers as part of a trade involving Kawhi Leonard earlier in September.
Implications for the roster and training camp
Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Toronto Raptors last season. His absence at full capacity will affect the Clippers’ rotations and offensive options as they open training camp in Hawaii.
- Ingram will take a limited role in training camp while he continues rehabilitation.
- The Clippers will delay final roster plans until his status is reassessed nearer the season.
- Other players will be expected to fill larger minutes early in camp and possibly at the start of the regular season.
Redden also provided updates on other players. Guard Bradley Beal is dealing with right knee inflammation and will not be available at the start of training camp. Beal played just six games last season after surgery in November to repair a broken left hip. The team said it will monitor his recovery closely.
The organization further disclosed that guard Jordan Miller had surgery after tearing his left rotator cuff during a summer pickup game and will be reevaluated in five months. Another player, Yanic Konan Niederäauser, remains out as he recovers from a ligament tear in his foot that ended his season in March.
Local interest and what Brandon residents should know
For basketball fans in Brandon, the news is a reminder of the narrowing margin between health and availability at the professional level. Ingram’s scoring and playmaking figures made him a notable addition to the Clippers’ forward group, and his delayed start will be watched closely by supporters across the country who follow NBA storylines.
While the Clippers will carry on with training camp and the preseason schedule, the organisation’s cautious approach reflects long-term considerations: ensuring full recovery from tendon and heel surgery is paramount to avoid setbacks that can extend absences or risk further injury.
| Player | Injury / status |
|---|---|
| Brandon Ingram | Right heel surgery; partial Achilles tear — no timetable |
| Bradley Beal | Right knee inflammation — unavailable for start of camp |
| Jordan Miller | Left rotator cuff surgery — reevaluation in five months |
| Yanic Konan Niederäauser | Ligament tear in foot — not ready for season opener |
Coaches and medical staff frequently balance short-term competitive needs against the long-term health of players, particularly with tendon and foot issues that can prove stubborn. The Clippers’ public update makes clear they intend to take that cautious route with Ingram.
As the regular season approaches, fans in Brandon and beyond will be watching for further medical updates from the Clippers and the timeline that will govern when Ingram can resume full participation.
