NBA Rumors: Tyronn Lue To Rejoin Cavs As ‘Observer’ After Leave Of Absence

Tyronn Lue will rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday for their game against the New Orleans Pelicans — but not as a coach.

Lue will observe Friday’s game while the Cavs ease him back into coaching on their four-game homestand, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Friday morning, citing a league source. This will be his first time back with the team since stepping away 11 days ago.

Lue announced March 19 he was taking an indefinite leave of absence due to health issues and did not offer a timetable on his return. Associate coach Larry Drew has led LeBron James and the Cavs to a 5-1 record during Lue’s absence.

Cleveland currently sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 45-30 record but only holds a half-game lead on both the fourth-place Philadelphia 76ers and fifth-place Indiana Pacers.