Cavaliers fire Tyronn Lue as coach following a 0–6 start.
On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers sacked head coach Tyronn Lue and appointed Larry Drew as their temporary leader.
Cleveland has suffered six straight losses to begin the season.
“My time here in Cleveland was truly special,” Lue stated to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated in a statement. “I am really appreciative of all the players on our team, the amazing coaches I worked with, and of course, our amazing supporters for their commitment, selflessness, and support. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Koby Altman, the general manager, Dan Gilbert, the owner, and David Gryphon, the former general manager, for the chance over the last three years. I wish the organisation continued success.
According to league sources, Drew met with management on Sunday morning to discuss the conditions of being promoted to temporary coach. He could look for a position that is more permanent. When Lue missed time due to sickness a year ago, Drew went 8-1 in his role as interim coach. In his three seasons as head coach of the Hawks, he guided Atlanta to the postseason. From 2013 to 2014, he was the head coach of Milwaukee for a single season.
The Cavaliers were led by Lue to three consecutive NBA Finals, including the NBA title in 2016. He worked from 128 to 83. Cleveland’s administration and ownership had anticipated that the team would contend for a postseason berth, but given the roster void left by LeBron James’ departure in free agency, that goal may not be achievable.
James has previously departed Cleveland in free agency twice. During James’s first stint with the Cavaliers, they went from 61 victories in 2009–10 to 19 wins in the following season.
