Lue’s position isn’t in danger despite strife in Cleveland
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue has a long list of immediate concerns.
Keeping his job isn’t one of them.
Despite Cleveland’s recent slide and his team’s lack of cohesion, the Cavaliers have no immediate plans to replace Lue, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
The status of Lue, who led the team to an NBA title in 2016 and two straight Finals appearances, came into question following Saturday night’s 32-point home loss to Houston, the latest blowout endured by a team in disarray. However, Lue’s job isn’t in danger because of the need for “keeping continuity” at this challenging time, according to the source.
Cleveland has lost 12 of 18 and LeBron James and his teammates have been beaten by at least 24 points in four games during the span. They were booed by fans in Quicken Loans Arena almost from the start against Houston, and following the game, Lue and several of his players challenged the team’s level of effort and trust.
“We didn’t have (any) fight,” Lue said.
James said: “I’m at a loss for words.”
Isaiah Thomas said the struggle is internal.
“We’re not together on both ends,” he said. “There’s a lot of one-onone on the offense end, maybe because we don’t trust each other. And then on the defensive end, it’s the same thing. Guys are put on islands and there’s no trust. I mean, if you don’t trust something . I don’t know.”
Cleveland has looked overmatched against the league’s elite teams.
The Cavaliers have lost eight consecutive games on national TV, prompting James to half-heartedly joke the team should be dropped from future network appearances.
Lue, who took over the Cavs midway through the 2016 championship season when David Blatt was fired, has been criticized for an unwillingness to change his lineups — but he has had to juggle minutes because of injuries and the Cavaliers’ makeup was altered radically when Thomas returned from a hip injury.
The Cavs haven’t been the same since Thomas came aboard, and the former Boston guard has struggled trying to find his rhythm and shot. It has created a trickle-down effect through Cleveland’s lineup, weakened an already feeble defensive team, and raised tensions in the locker room.
And the Cavaliers lost All-Star forward Kevin Love last week with a broken hand.
The trading deadline is Thursday, and the Cavs have been engaged with several teams about potential deals. At this point, there may not be anything they can do make them title contenders this year.