If you threw money down on Tyronn Lue to be the first NBA coach to leave their post this year, congratulations, because it sounds like you’re about to have a betting slip to cash. According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Cleveland Cavaliers plan to part ways with the head coach who was on the bench for the first NBA title in franchise history.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are planning to fire head coach Ty Lue, per league sources. @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 28, 2018
It’s been a rough start to the first year in the second post-LeBron James era in Cleveland, as the Cavaliers are 0-6 to this point in the season. Charania went on to report that players had been informed that a coaching change is, indeed, coming to Cleveland.
Cavs‘ roster has been informed of firing of Ty Lue, per league sources. Lue has been let go as Cavs head coach after 0-6 start to Cleveland’s season. https://t.co/b50Nxh91Br
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 28, 2018
Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that Lue is, indeed, on his way out, with assistant coach Larry Drew set to take over.
After firing Ty Lue, Cleveland planning to promote Larry Drew to interim coach, sources tell ESPN. Management meeting with Drew now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2018
Lue spent several years following his playing career as an assistant coach before finding his way to Cleveland as a member of David Blatt’s staff in 2014. However, when Blatt was fired midway through the 2016 season, Lue took over on the bench and led Cleveland to its first title in 2016. While he went 128-83, he was a frequent lightning rod for criticism, as people would question whether he or James was really coaching the team. Still, Lue was on the bench as the Cavaliers made it to three NBA Finals in a row.
While this was expected to be a rebuilding year for Cleveland, one he hoped would be full of “wins and lessons,” Lue won’t see that rebuild past its first six games.
