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, skilfully handled a constantly changing line-up, maintained a balance between pushing his young team and keeping things enjoyable and focused. He also played a significant role in the surprising development of rookie guard Collin Sexton.

Players and peers widely respected Drew for his achievements.

Nonetheless, he may not receive another season.

Drew stated on Sunday that he hasn’t had any discussions with Cleveland’s front office regarding his future. There is a prevalent belief within the team that his last game as a coach will be on Tuesday, when the Cavaliers season ends against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets need to defeat both Cleveland and Orlando to have any hope of advancing to the postseason.

The Cavaliers’ four-year streak in the Finals and their hopes came to an end last July when LeBron James decided to go to Los Angeles for his next chapter.

While Drew’s tenure with the Cavs may be nearing its end, the appreciation for him still persists.

“Considering the numerous injuries we suffered, he performed brilliantly. The start was challenging, it wasn’t exactly turmoil but it was tough,” said star forward Kevin Love, who only played 22 games due to toe surgery and other injuries. “He had us playing intensely right from the start when he took over and I believe that momentum carried through.”

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

He’s been at it for 40 years and still has much to offer.

Drew stated that he has had no discussions about his future with the team and “we’ve decided to wait until the season is completely over before we discuss that,” prior to the Cavaliers’ ninth consecutive loss to San Antonio on Sunday, which brought their record to 19-62.

The Cavaliers, after a 6-35 away game track record this season, are set to end among the three lowest performers in the league, alongside Phoenix and New York. They hold a 14% probability of winning the upcoming lottery next month, where the victorious team will get an opportunity to pick Zion Williamson from Duke.

In October, Drew took over a problematic situation when the Cavaliers dismissed Tyronn Lue, the only coach to have led a Cleveland team to a championship in the last 54 years, following a 0-6 starting record. Drew, amidst the chaos, expressed his desire for stability and rejected the label of an “acting” coach, seeking some assurances.

A nine-day standoff, characterized by awkwardness, took place, during which the Cavaliers renegotiated Drew’s contract, providing him with a pay increase and an option for next season with the team. Drew is entitled to a buyout payment if the Cavs choose to pursue a different path.

After resolving the contract issue, Drew commenced his work without any slowdown. The Cavaliers’ record may not show it, but they have largely remained competitive throughout the season, even in the absence of Love, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith. These three were crucial members of the club’s championship team in 2016.

Sexton managed to thrive despite a difficult beginning, and the performances of Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson have all seen improvement.

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

“Before Sunday’s game, Drew imparted his wisdom to all our players, saying, ‘We all experience various situations in life that shape our identity. It’s essential to understand that life is a mix of pleasant and unpleasant experiences, of good and bad. Things won’t always go as planned, but learning how to cope with challenging times, rough patches, and adversity is crucial,”.

The things that make you a stronger person are exactly what our guys have been doing. They’ve been incredibly professional, putting in their best effort every night. Of course, not every game will be a stellar performance, but we can always strive to play hard. I commend our guys for their ability to manage this.