WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Tyronn Lue, who coached the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA title, was fired Sunday after the club’s latest loss in a league-worst 0-6 start, the club confirmed.
The announcement by Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman came after Indiana beat Cleveland 119-107 Saturday with associate coach Larry Drew being promoted to interim coach.
“This was a very difficult decision,” Altman said. “It is especially so, considering Coach Lue’s time with us over the last four years, including four straight trips to the NBA Finals.”
Former associate coach Lue took over the LeBron James-led Cavs in January 2016 after the mid-season firing of Dave Blatt and guided Cleveland to its first NBA crown and the first for any team in the city since the 1964 NFL Browns.
But James departed in the off-season for the Los Angeles Lakers and little was expected of the Cavs this season.
“We have respect and great admiration for Ty, not only as a coach, but a person,” Altman said. “We thank him for the many ways he has contributed to our success, wish him the best and he will always be remembered for leading a very special Cavs team back against the odds to win the title in 2016.
“This is a different team equation, though, and one that we felt needed a different voice and approach that required this change.”
James tweeted his appreciation for Lue on Sunday afternoon.
“T Lue thanks for the memories and more importantly our partnership bringing a (trophy) to that deserved city/fan base. U know how to find me,” James tweeted.
Lue, 41, went 128-83 in just over 2 1/2 seasons as the Cavaliers coach with a 41-20 record in the playoffs.
But with James gone, not even three consecutive trips to the finals in his first three seasons as coach could save Lue. The Cavs have not led this season in the second half and are off to their worst start since 1995.
In a statement to ESPN, Lue thanked Altman, former Cavs general manager David Griffin and team owner Dan Gilbert.
“My time here in Cleveland was truly special,” Lue said. “I am very grateful for the dedication, sacrifice, and support of all the players on our team, the tremendous coaches I worked with and of course, our incredible fans.
“Lastly, deep thanks to Dan Gilbert, David Griffin and Koby Altman for the opportunity over the last three years and I only wish the organization success moving forward.”
Drew, 60, has a 143-169 record as an NBA coach in three seasons with Atlanta from 2010 through 2013 and the 2013-14 campaign with Milwaukee. he joined the Cavs’ staff in 2014 after the Bucks hired Jason Kidd as their coach.
Drew went 8-1 last season guiding the Cavs while Lue was out with an illness.
© Agence France-Presse
