Head Coach Tyronn Lue Takes Temporary Leave From Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Monday that head coach Tyronn Lue has taken a temporary leave of absence due to health issues, per Sports Illustrated.

Lue has coached the Cavs for three seasons. During his absence, associate head coach Larry Drew will be taking over.

TNT reporter, David Aldridge went to Twitter to give more information about Lue’s leave:

“Tyronn Lue will be on a one-week plan to address his health issues, per source. The current plan is to return to the bench next week.”

Upon the decision to take a temporary leave Lue released a statement:

“After many conversations with our doctors and Koby 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 […] 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. I greatly appreciate Dan Gilbert, Koby Altman, our medical team and the organization’s support throughout.”

On Saturday, he remained in the locker room during the second half of the Cavs victory over the Chicago Bulls due to his illness.

“It’s like losing one of your best players, obviously – the guy who’s the captain of our ship, who’s been running things the past three years.”

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