Amid Tyronn Lue’s recent leave of absence from his position as the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, the 40-year-old helmsman will be on a one-week plan to address his health issues, according to NBA.com’s David Aldridge.
This current plan has a target timeline for him to return to the bench next week, while no member of the team has confirmed if he would pick up his active coaching duties or just be present with the team.
Most in the Cavaliers’ locker room were surprised with the news, being informed only just before shootaround.
“I think it’s probably well overdue,” LeBron James said of Lue stepping down, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. “Understanding what he’s been going through throughout the season, so obviously health is the most important with everything in life, so I’m not surprised by it at all.”
Lue reportedly resisted to the idea of stepping down until now that the complications of his illness have become much to bear.
“While I have tried to work through it, the last thing I want is for it to affect the team,” Lue said in a statement released earlier today. “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’re all working towards.”
The Cavs hold a half-game lead over the Washington Wizards for third place, with 13 games left in the schedule and a myriad of injuries that have given this team a rough time keeping the ship steady.