Coach Tyronn Lue Temporarily Taking Time Away From Coaching
The Cleveland Cavaliers announced this morning that Ty Lue will be taking a temporary leave of absence due to health-related issues. Per the statement released by the team, Lue has been dealing with chest pains and has had trouble sleeping for most of the season.
“After many conversations with our doctors and Koby [Altman] and much thought given to what is best for the team and my health, I need to step back from coaching for the time being and focus on trying to establish a stronger and healthier foundation from which to coach for the rest of the season” Lue said, per the release. “I have had chest pains and other troubling symptoms, compounded by a loss of sleep, throughout the year. Despite a battery of tests, there have been no conclusions as to what the exact issue is.”
“While I have tried to work through it, the last thing I want is for it to affect the team. I am going to use this time to focus on a prescribed routine and medication, which has previously been difficult to start in the midst of a season. My goal is to come out of it a stronger and healthier version of myself so I can continue to lead this team to the championship we are all working towards.”
Assistant coach Larry Drew will serve as interim coach while Lue is out. Drew has filled in as head coach before, as Lue has missed multiple games this season due to illness. Most recently, during Sunday’s win over the Bulls.
LeBron spoke briefly about the news this morning after their pregame shootaround.
“It’s probably well overdue, understanding what he’s been going through throughout this season. Obviously health is the most important with everything in life. I’m not surprised by it at all… It’s like losing one of your best players, obviously. It’s a guy that’s pretty much the captain of our ship and has done anything for us for the last three years. Everyone has to step up. We have coaches in place that’s ready for that challenge and we have to do our job as players as well.”
During the rough patches of this Cavs season, fans have been calling for Lue to lose his job. Whether you wanted that to happen or not, nobody wanted his departure to be health-related. This is a pretty scary situation and we wish nothing but the best for him and his family.
It’s rumored that Lue will try to return to the bench next week. As LeBron said though, someone’s health is the absolute priority. While we wish him a speedy recovery, there’s no reason for him to return until he’s fully healthy, no matter how much it will affect the team going forward.
Photo: ESPN
