NBA FINALS: Donovan’s easy transition | Warriors didn’t need rest
Tyronn Lue was replaced as the team’s coach, and he’s done a great job with his new role. He has the team back in the finals and competing at a higher level than a season ago. You’d expect Lue would have jumped at the opportunity to coach the team, but he was reportedly hesitant when he was first offered. According to a report from Cleveland.com, Lue pleaded with Cavs general manager David Griffin to keep Blatt around.
“This is f—ed up, Griff,” Lue reportedly responded when told of Blatt’s firing.
Here’s how the rest of the conversation went, per Chris Haynes:
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert spoke to Cleveland.com about the firing, which is something he hasn’t done much of this season. He called it a “great decision,” and it’s hard to argue with him. The team played well under Blatt, but mainly because this is just such a talented roster. They look better under Lue, and it seems obvious this was the right decision.
Griffin circled back to his original question.
“What’s done is done. I’m asking you if you can lead this team?” It had taken a few minutes, but Griffin got the response he sought.
“Yeah, I can f—ing lead this team.”
As for whether the phone call actually happened as they said it did, there have been some doubts by others. It seems reasonable Lue would make the case for Blatt to stay. He was a loyal assistant who didn’t want to be seen as someone gunning for another man’s job. Of course, that’d be the story they’d want to portray, but it seems like this is something that could have played out.
