Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue has returned to the team after taking an excused leave of absence due to mounting health issues, including lack of sleep, chest pains and shortness of breathe. The third-year play caller spoke to the media following Thursday morning’s practice session at Cleveland Clinic Courts with regards to his decision to step down for a time.
Coach Lue is one of the hardest working men you could ever hope to meet. If it weren’t for a discussion with LeBron James (and others), the Mexico, Missouri native would have simply pressed on, despite his health concerns.
“After the Orlando game and Chicago game, I talked to LeBron and decided to take time off,” coach Lue told Cavs Nation after Thursday’s practice. “It was chest pains.”
Head assistant coach Larry Drew did a fine job in Lue’s absence. In fact, Drew has posted a 9-1 record as Cleveland’s head coach this season.
“Ty’s been around the team I would say the last five to six days,” Drew told ESPN on Tuesday. “He’s kind of been gradually getting back into it. I can see that the guys have already embraced him.
“So it’s just a matter of him being more hands on now once he does get back,” Drew continued. “I personally, just from what I’ve seen, it looks like everybody has rolled their sleeves up and just waiting for the day he comes back so they can get to work.”
Coach Lue gave credit to his coaching staff during his media availability on Thursday morning.
The Cavs — now the 3rd-seeded team in the Eastern Conference standings with a 48-30 overall record — will close out a four-game homestand on Thursday night with a matchup against the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage.
