The Los Angeles Clippers have opened their NBA training camp on Oahu, Hawaii, ahead of a preseason matchup with the Golden State Warriors this Sunday. This marks the team's return to the islands for the first time since 2024, providing a scenic backdrop as they prepare for the new season.
For the sixth time in nine years, the Clippers are using the University of Hawaii at Manoa as their training camp base. The team is holding daily practices in Gym 2, embracing the unique environment. It's a strategic move that blends intense basketball preparation with team bonding in a relaxed setting. Players arrived shortly after Monday's media day, quickly swapping the gym for the island atmosphere.
Darius Garland, the Clippers guard, highlighted the immediate impact. "Yes, it’s good to be here," Garland said. "It’s like a breath of fresh air. Really good. Go see somewhere new. There’s no place like this." Teammate Max Strus echoed the sentiment, noting the beauty of waking up to the water but stressed the primary focus remains on-court improvement.
The Clippers enter camp looking to build cohesion after a challenging playoff exit. The Hawaii trip offers a clean slate to address those inconsistencies.
Strus made it clear the vacation scenery won't distract from the work. "We know what’s important," Strus said. "We know what’s at stake, and that’s to get better on the basketball court and get better as a group." The coaching staff will be evaluating rotations and player fitness closely throughout the week. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The immediate focus is Sunday's preseason opener against the Warriors at the Stan Sheriff Center. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Local time. This game will be the first real test of the camp's work, though the outcome is less important than execution and health. Following the game, the team will return to Los Angeles to continue its preseason schedule.
The Warriors are conducting their own camp at BYU-Hawaii on the North Shore, with Stephen Curry praising the "good energy" of the islands. This shared location sets up a compelling, if informal, Pacific showdown to kick off the exhibition slate. For the Clippers, it's the first step in turning the page from last season's playoff finish and building toward a new campaign.
