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 coach, aged 61, skillfully managed a constantly changing team roster, encouraged his young team to stay focused and enjoy the process, and significantly contributed to the surprising 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, suggesting that his last game as a coach might be on Tuesday. As the season concludes with a game against the Charlotte Hornets, the latter needs to defeat both Cleveland and Orlando to retain their postseason hopes.

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

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

“Considering the numerous injuries we faced, he performed exceptionally well. It was a challenging start, but I wouldn’t call it turmoil,” commented star forward Kevin Love, who could only participate in 22 games due to a toe surgery and other injuries. “From the moment he stepped in, he made us play with immense intensity, and I believe that momentum continued throughout.”

We’ve always been meticulous in our approach to detail, practice, and shootarounds. Everything was conducted with high professionalism, which is why I’ve always supported and respected LD. Regardless of whether he remains with our team next year or moves on to a different organization, I believe he will make a significant impact.

He’s been in it for 40 years and still has a lot to contribute.

Before the Cavaliers’ ninth consecutive loss to San Antonio on Sunday, which brought them to 19-62, Drew stated he has not had any conversations about his future with the team. He added that they have decided to postpone such discussions until the end of the season.

The Cavaliers, with a road record of 6-35 this season, are set to end 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 forthcoming lottery next month, potentially giving them the opportunity to pick Duke’s Zion Williamson.

When the Cavaliers dismissed Tyronn Lue in October, the only coach to lead a Cleveland team to a championship in the past 54 years, following a 0-6 start, Drew inherited a difficult situation. In the midst of this chaos, Drew emphasized his desire for stability and rejected the label of “acting” coach, indicating that he wanted some assurances.

A tense, nine-day impasse followed, during which the Cavaliers re-negotiated Drew’s contract, providing him with a pay increase and a team option for the upcoming season. Drew will receive a buyout payment if the Cavs choose to pursue a different path.

After resolving the contract issue, Drew began working diligently, showing no signs of slowing down. Despite the lack of evidence in their record, the Cavaliers have managed to maintain competitiveness for most of the season. This is impressive considering they played without Love, Tristan Thompson, or J.R. Smith, who were instrumental in the club’s 2016 championship victory.

Sexton managed to overcome a challenging start and flourish, and Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson have all seen improvements.

The journey has been tough, but the comforting presence of Drew has alleviated the pain.

“Before Sunday’s game, Drew emphasized to our players that our experiences, good or bad, shape us into who we are today,” he said. “Life will always have its ups and downs. Things won’t always go as planned, but it’s important to learn how to handle the tough and rough times, as well as adversity.”

These are the elements that build your strength. Our team has been exemplary in upholding professionalism and consistently giving their all every night. We may not always perform exceptionally, but we can always give our best effort. Our team has been doing just that, and for this, I commend them for managing it so well.