The Cleveland Cavaliers made news around the NBA world on Sunday, firing head coach Tyronn Lue after a disastrous 0-6 start to the season.
Having led Cleveland to three NBA Finals appearances and a championship in his three-plus years with the team, players were not too happy about Lue being fired.
For his part, it seems the former Cavs’ head coach decided to take the high road in confirming he was in fact fired.
Tyronn Lue statement obtained by @espn @TheUndefeated pic.twitter.com/Cj7JdsYS12
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 28, 2018
“My time here in Cleveland was truly special. I am 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,” Lue said in the statement. “Lastly, deep thanks to (owner) Dan Gilbert, (former GM) David Griffin and (current GM) Koby Altman for the opportunity over the last three years and I only wish the organization success moving forward.”
We have to give Lue credit here. He could have very well shown some anger after being fired so early in the season. Expectations were not high to begin the 2018-19 campaign after Cleveland lost LeBron James in free agency. What did the Cavs’ brass expect from this team?
In any event, Lue’s decision to take the high road tells us a story of a man that’s highly respected around the Association. Whether that leads to a head coaching job elsewhere moving forward remains to be seen.