Report: Lue to rejoin Cavs, ease back into coaching over homestand
Tyronn Lue is inching closer to his return to the sidelines.
The Cleveland Cavaliers head coach will rejoin the team Friday to watch its game versus the New Orleans Pelicans, but he won't coach, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Lue, 40, has been on an indefinite leave of absence to address his health issues and reportedly plans to ease his way back into coaching during Cleveland's four-game homestand. He last manned the sidelines during the first half of a March 17 win over the Chicago Bulls, before taking time off to manage his "chest pains and other troubling symptoms" with exercise and a healthier diet.
Related: LeBron admits Cavs are worried about Lue's health
The former NBA player was promoted to Cleveland's head coach during the 2015-16 season after the team released David Blatt, and led the club to its first-ever title win that postseason. The Cavs reached the NBA Finals again last year, but their three-year streak could be in jeopardy.
Lue's side entered this season with a retooled roster and then shook things up again before the trade deadline. Between the new faces and mounting injuries, it's been difficult for the team to develop any sort of rhythm. Cleveland has the second-worst defensive rating in the league and sits third in the Eastern Conference with seven regular-season games remaining.
Associate head coach Larry Drew has been filling in for Lue, and has led the Cavaliers to a 5-1 record.