The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without head coach Ty Lue for the foreseeable future as a result of health concerns from a lack of sleep.
On Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls, Lue left the game early with an illness, though the team did manage to win 114-109.
With his decision to step back from the team, he 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.”
Serving as interim coach in his absence will be Larry Drew.
This is surely to affect the team in the short term, but it’ll be interesting to see if he returns before the post-season or not. It’s been a tough season for the Cavs, as they’ve seen a turnover in the roster, a myriad of injuries and their seeding in the Eastern Conference slip.
Woj says he plans to return before the playoffs.
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