Tyronn Lue didn’t make it through the season’s first month without LeBron James.
The Cleveland Cavaliers fired their coach on Sunday, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The Cavaliers are off to a 0-6 start without James, who left Cleveland this summer for the second time in his career and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.
The Cavs weren’t showing enough progress under Lue and the team decided it was time for a change before the situation worsened, said the people, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not commented on the move.
Lue guided the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016 — Cleveland’s first pro sports championship since 1964 — and helped the team to four straight Finals.
Assistant coach Damon Jones also was fired, the two people said. A former Cavaliers player, Jones had been promoted during the off-season.
Players appeared to be caught off-guard by Lue’s dismissal. All-Star Kevin Love, who has missed the past two games with a sore left foot, posted a message to Lue on Instagram .
"You helped me see the big picture," Love wrote. "Life changing experiences and teaching points. Nothing but love and admiration. Know we will work towards something greater together again. THANK YOU."
Cleveland Cavaliers fire popular coach after only 6 games
Boy, that was quick!!!!!!!!!!
The Cleveland Cavaliers fired their coach on Sunday, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The Cavaliers are off to a 0-6 start without James, who left Cleveland this summer for the second time in his career and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.
The Cavs weren’t showing enough progress under Lue and the team decided it was time for a change before the situation worsened, said the people, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not commented on the move.
Lue guided the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016 — Cleveland’s first pro sports championship since 1964 — and helped the team to four straight Finals.
Assistant coach Damon Jones also was fired, the two people said. A former Cavaliers player, Jones had been promoted during the off-season.
Players appeared to be caught off-guard by Lue’s dismissal. All-Star Kevin Love, who has missed the past two games with a sore left foot, posted a message to Lue on Instagram .
"You helped me see the big picture," Love wrote. "Life changing experiences and teaching points. Nothing but love and admiration. Know we will work towards something greater together again. THANK YOU."
Cleveland Cavaliers fire popular coach after only 6 games
Boy, that was quick!!!!!!!!!!