(Photo Courtesy Deadspin)
The Cleveland Cavilers have fired head coach David Blatt after 123 games. Blatt went 83-40 and took the Cavs to the NBA Finals last season. This season, the Cavs are 30-11.
Cleveland has promoted assistant Tyronn Lue to head coach, and have signed him to a multi-year deal. Lue is considered a player’s coach and players reportedly have a “connection” with Lue.
LeBron James was not consulted in the decision made by the Cavs front office.
Lue’s first game as head coach will take place Saturday against the Bulls.
Stay tuned for more updates.
(Updated: 1/22/2016 at 5:06 P.M. EST)
David Blatt released a statement following his firing.
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the Head Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. I’d like to thank Dan Gilbert and David Griffin for giving me this opportunity and am honored to have worked with an amazing group of players from LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love through our entire roster. I’d also like to express my extreme gratitude to my coaching staff. I am indebted to them for their professionalism, hard work, loyalty and friendship. I am proud of what we have accomplished since I have been the Head Coach and with the Cavaliers nothing but the best this season and beyond.”
