Drew's run as Cavs coach could be nearing end

CLEVELAND (AP) — Larry Drew guided the Cavaliers through a stormy season sprinkled with injuries, losing streaks and NBA lottery dreams.

The 61-year-old coach skillfully managed a constantly changing roster, motivated his young team while maintaining a fun and focused environment, and played a significant role in the impressive development of rookie guard, Collin Sexton.

Players and peers widely respected Drew for his achievements.

Nonetheless, another season might not be in his future.

On Sunday, Drew stated that he has not discussed his future with Cleveland’s front office. There is a prevailing notion within the team that he will oversee his last game on Tuesday when the Cavaliers play their final game of the season against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets need to win against both Cleveland and Orlando to have any hope for the postseason.

The moment LeBron James selected Los Angeles as his next destination in July, it marked the end of the Cavaliers’ hopes and their four-year streak in the Finals.

While Drew is probably approaching the end of his time with the Cavs, the admiration for him still persists.

“Star forward Kevin Love, who was restricted to just 22 games due to toe surgery and other injuries, praised his performance. He said, “He did an incredible job, particularly considering the numerous injuries we encountered. While I wouldn’t describe it as turmoil, the initial stages were quite challenging.” Love added that from the moment he assumed his role, he instilled a sense of intense effort in the team, which remained consistent throughout.

We’ve always been meticulous in our practices, shootarounds, and every other aspect, maintaining utmost professionalism. I’ve always supported and held LD in high regard. Regardless of whether he remains with us next year or moves to a different organization, I believe he’ll make a significant impact.

He’s been involved for 40 years and still has much to contribute.

Prior to the Cavaliers’ ninth consecutive loss to San Antonio on Sunday, which brought their record down to 19-62, Drew stated that he has not yet had any conversations about his future with the team. He added, “we’ve agreed to hold off on that discussion until the season has officially ended.”

This season, the Cavaliers had a dismal 6-35 away record, ending up with one of the three worst records in the league alongside Phoenix and New York. They have a 14 percent chance of winning the upcoming lottery next month. The winning team will have the opportunity to pick Zion Williamson from Duke.

In October, Drew took over a chaotic situation when the Cavaliers dismissed Tyronn Lue, the sole coach in the past 54 years to guide a Cleveland team to victory, following a 0-6 start. Amidst this turmoil, Drew expressed his desire for stability and rejected the label of “acting” coach, insisting on some form of assurance.

A tense nine-day standoff followed, during which the Cavaliers renegotiated Drew’s contract, offering him a pay rise with an option for the team to retain him for the next season. If the Cavs choose to pursue a different direction, Drew will be given a buyout payment.

Once the contract matter was settled, Drew started working diligently without slowing down. While their record may not show it, the Cavaliers have remained mostly competitive, even though they’ve had to play much of the season without Love, Tristan Thompson or J.R. Smith, three crucial players from their 2016 championship team.

Sexton managed to overcome a challenging start and flourish, while Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Jordan Clarkson have all shown improvement.

Drew’s calming presence has alleviated the pain, despite the challenges.

“Before Sunday’s game, Drew shared with his players that life’s challenges shape who we are today,” he said. “We must accept both the highs and the lows, the bitter and the sweet. Life won’t always unfold as we wish, but learning to cope with tough and rough times, as well as adversity, is crucial.”

The aspects that contribute to strengthening your character include our team’s exceptional ability to maintain professionalism and the commitment to give their best each night. While we may not excel in every game, our consistent effort is unwavering. I highly commend our team for their impressive handling of this.