Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 leaders that need to step up

1. Larry Drew

Associate head coach Larry Drew must be the Cavaliers compass as they navigate through choppy waters. The extent of Lue’s medical condition isn’t clear. The state of not just the roster, but the  franchise is chaotic because of so many injuries and LeBron’s potential departure.

With Lue taking an extended rest, Drew will be in a precarious predicament. Does he overplay James and his remaining regulars in order to salvage home-court advantage in the first round, or should he loosen the reins, reduce minutes and accept a 5 or 6-seed?

Both could backfire. If Cleveland continues to freefall, James may make up his mind to leave before the playoffs begin. On the other hand, an exhausted James may be even more likely to bolt, leaving the Cavs in rebuild mode.

Undoubtedly the front office will co-author a game plan with Drew now that Lue is taking off time. The coach, however, is responsible for executing the game plan as Cleveland enters a crucial stretch.

Drew’s calm demeanor and even hand served him well as Atlanta’s coach for three years, consistently guiding the Hawks to the postseason.

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He may need to draw on that zen as he guides the Cavs down the stretch.