Tyronn Lue Taking Leave of Absence From Cavaliers Due to Health Issues

Associate head coach Larry Drew will lead the Cavaliers for the time being.

Tyronn Lue.
Getty

Image via Getty/David Lion Kyle/Contributor

Tyronn Lue.

The Cavaliers’ 2017-18 NBA season has been filled with all sorts of unexpected twists and turns, and it took another on Monday morning. Head coach Tyronn Lue announced he will be taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with health issues.

While Lue didn’t get into the specifics surrounding his recent health problems, he did say he has been dealing with "troubling symptoms" throughout the season. He released a brief statement in which he said he wants to step away from coaching to get his health back under control before returning to the sidelines.

"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," Lue said in his statement. "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."

Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman released a statement on behalf of the Cavaliers as well. He said the team plans on supporting Lue throughout his recovery process.

"We know how difficult these circumstances are for Coach Lue and we support him totally in this focused approach to addressing his health issues," Altman said.

The Cavaliers are currently 40-29 on the season and sit in the third slot in the Eastern Conference. Lue coached the team during a 114-109 win over the Bulls in Chicago on Saturday. Cleveland will return to the court to face the Bucks at home on Monday night. Associate head coach Larry Drew will coach the team in Lue’s absence.

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