On Monday morning, news that Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue was taking a leave of absence hit the web. Some fans immediately speculated that Lue’s job was in danger.
The Cavs announce that Tyronn Lue is stepping away from coaching the team for the time being. Associate head coach Larry Drew will take over. More to come.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 19, 2018
The Cavs have struggled all season and currently are jockeying for playoff positioning between the No. 3-5 seeds. Lue also recently had a heated exchange with LeBron James, and basketball fans are well aware of LeBron’s role in the franchise’s decision-making.
LeBron James and Tyronn Lue exchanged heated words on the bench tonight during a tough loss against Portland. (via @DefPenHoops) pic.twitter.com/3UM3TjrbZH
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 16, 2018
Lue got his job when the Cavs fired another coach, David Blatt, midway through the season. Would they do it again?
The 40-year-old coach’s leave of absence, however, has nothing to do with performance. It was widely reported that Lue is taking a break for health reasons.
Tyronn Lue to take leave of absence to focus on health.
“I have had chest pains and other troubling symptoms, compounded by a loss of sleep.” pic.twitter.com/Rrx3SLH038
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 19, 2018
Tyronn Lue and Koby Altman release statement that coach will be taking a leave of absence to address health issues. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/jGxkXlwBK7
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) March 19, 2018
The Cavs’ first-year general manager, Koby Altman, said, “we support him totally.” Lue has served as Cleveland’s head coach since Jan. 2016. He helped the team win that year’s NBA championship and make it back the following season, though Golden State dominated that rematch, winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy after a five-game series.
Lue, a former point guard, played in the NBA for 10 seasons, and in his best season, the 2004-05 campaign with Atlanta, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.4 assists per game.
