While many are annoyed by Tyronn Lue’s selection as Eastern Conference head coach at the 2016 All-Star Game, Cleveland Cavaliers players don’t feel the same way.
Despite having just a 2-1 record as a head coach, Lue was selected on Wednesday night by the NBA to represent the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Game. The selection is due to a rule that stipulates that the head coach of the team with the best record in each conference two weeks before the game will represent that conference as a head coach.
Not surprisingly, a couple of Cavs players jumped to Lue’s defense. Tristan Thompson detailed why he believes Lue deserves to represent the East at the All-Star Game:
“At the end of the day, it’s the NBA’s job and they decide on who. T-Lue is 2-1 right now, but it’s not like we just hired T-Lue from working at ESPN. He’s done the groundwork; he’s been with us. So he’s been a part of our journey and helping us become where we’re at today, so he deserves it, he and the rest of the staff. They’ve been here since Day 1, so they’ve all helped prepare us for games so I think it’s only fair.”
James Jones argues that Lue deserves to be there, because it’s not just based on head coaches, but also the coaching staff of a particular team:
“Our coaching staff that’s here, with the exception of Coach Blatt, all of our coaches have coached us. So when you look at it, our staff is still intact. It’s the coaching staff. If they’re just talking about head coaches, that’s different. But when you’re talking about the All-Star Game, you’re talking about coaching staffs and our staff deserves it.”
Lue has already spoken of his belief that David Blatt should represent the East as the head coach at the All-Star Game. While that won’t become a reality, Lue gave credit to his coaching staff upon hearing of his selection to the game:
“It’s a tribute to Coach Blatt and the players and the hard work the assistant coaches put in to get us to this point. It’s going to be a great honor to represent the Cleveland Cavaliers and having a chance to do this, I know my coaches are excited, and I know it’s going to be a surreal moment.”
The 2016 All-Star Game will be played on February 14th.
