The Cleveland Cavaliers have seen their fair share of adversity and change this season in the form of injuries and trades, which has contributed to their status as the No. 3 seed in the East, well back of the Celtics and Raptors.
Even coach Tyronn Lue has battled health problems this season and on Monday, after another spell caused him to leave Cleveland’s win over the Bulls this weekend, he and the team announced he was stepping away for a temporary leave of absence to take care of his health.
Lue released a statement through the Cavaliers noting he’s dealt with “chest pains and other troubling symptoms” this year that have been the cause of his occasional absences during games, and that he and the team had decided it was best for him to step away for an indefinite amount of time so he can get his health right. In the meantime, associate head coach Larry Drew will take over as acting head coach.
Here is Lue’s statement, via the Cavaliers:
“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.”
Cleveland has 13 more games on its regular season slate.
UPDATE: According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the hope is that Lue will return to the Cavaliers sometime in the next week.
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.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 19, 2018
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