Drew’s run as Cavs coach could be nearing end
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
Larry Drew guided the Cavaliers through a stormy season sprinkled with injuries, losing streaks and NBA lottery dreams.
The 61-year-old coach juggled a revolving roster, pushed his young team while keeping things fun and focused and had a hand in rookie guard Collin Sexton’s startling development.
Drew earned widespread respect from players and peers.
However, he might not get another season.
On Sunday, Drew said he has had no conversations with Cleveland’s front office about his future, and there’s a strong sense around the team that he will coach his final game today, when the Cavaliers conclude their season against the Charlotte Hornets, who need to beat Cleveland and Orlando for any chance at the postseason.
The Cavaliers’ hopes — and their four-year streak in the Finals — ended last July, the moment LeBron James chose Los Angeles for his next act.
But while Drew is likely nearing a finish with the Cavs, the appreciation for him remains.
“He did a fantastic job, especially with all the injuries we had, and I wouldn’t say turmoil, but it was tough there at the start,” said star forward Kevin Love, limited to 22 games because of toe surgery and other injuries. “At the very beginning when he took over, he had us playing extremely hard and I think that carried throughout.
“Our attention to detail, our practices, our shootarounds, everything was really dialed in and very professional so I’ve always had LD’s back, always thought very highly of him. I think whether he is here or not next year, he’s going to have a big impact whether it’s on our team or with a different organization.
“He’s 40 years in and he’s still got a lot to give.”
Before Sunday’s loss to San Antonio, the Cavaliers’ ninth in a row, dropping them to 19-62, Drew said 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.”
The Cavaliers, who went 6-35 on the road this season, will finish with one of the league’s three worst records along with Phoenix and New York and have a 14 percent chance of winning next month’s lottery, where the winning team will have a chance to select Duke’s Zion Williamson.