On Saturday night Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue did not return to the bench after halftime due to some health issues. This was the second time in the last three months Lue had to leave the sidelines due to some health issues. He experienced a problem back in February during a game against the Orlando Magic. The Cavs won their game on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls but lost their matchup against the Magic by 18 despite having a 16 point halftime lead. Lue also did not coach earlier this season on December 21st due to a health issue.
Now THIS is strange: The Cavs led by 17 at halftime. Lue didn’t come back for 2nd half and pk-callout is down to 3. When this happened on 2-6 in Orlando, Cavs were up 16 at the half. W/O Lue, they lost the game by 18
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) March 18, 2018
The Cavs say that Ty Lue is ill and Larry Drew will coach Cleveland tonight vs. Chicago.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 21, 2017
Lue has been tested by the Cavaliers medical staff but this there is no formal diagnosis for his condition. Cavs players, most notably LeBron James, are openly concerned about the health of Lue. It’s enough of a concern to have Lue decided he will step away from the team in order to get healthy going into the playoffs. Associate head coach Larry Drew will take over in his absence.
The Cavs released a joint statement from Tyronn Lue and general manager Koby Altman on Monday morning.
From Tyronn Lue:
“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.”
From Koby Altman:
“We know how difficult these circumstances are for Coach Lue and we support him totally in this focused approach to addressing his health issues.”
