Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 major differences following coaching change

3. More playing time for youngsters

Multiple reports indicated that the Cavaliers front office was frustrated with Lue’s lineup rotations. Specifically, he underutilized his young talent in the eyes of the men in charge. General manager Koby Altman wanted more Collin Sexton. Lue liked George Hill.

That’s not uncommon. Front office hands generally like to see their draft picks play. After all, they were the ones that picked them.

Coaches, especially player’s coaches like Lue, lean on trusted veterans — especially in a “prove it” year with a team trying to compete for a playoff spot. So Lue played the veterans for the first two games until the front office forced his hand.

With Lue out, management now has more say in determining minutes. Undoubtedly, the Cavs will see more of Sexton, Cedi Osman, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr. A wild David Nwaba even appeared in game one under Drew.

Rumor has it that J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver might be out of the rotation, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.

After averaging 20.5 minutes per game in Cleveland’s first two contests, Sexton played at least 25 minutes in four of the team’s next five battles. Nance played 28 and 23 minutes in each of his last two games with Lue. He did see reduced minutes in Drew’s first game. Hood played at least 29 minutes in his last three games, the first time he’s done so since joining the Cavs

Smith saw about six minutes in Cleveland’s last Lue game before riding the bench under Drew. Hill has also seen his minutes drop recently. Both will become the new norm. It appears the Cavs are handing over the reins to younger players, and Drew will help facilitate the transition.