Tyronn Lue Says David Blatt Should Coach in All-Star Game

January 24, 2016, 5:31 PM UTC
Cleveland Cavaliers v Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 10: Head coach David Blatt and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react in the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 10, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Photograph by Mitchell Leff — Getty Images

The firing of David Blatt on Friday not only meant that the Cleveland Cavaliers would be looking for a new coach, it also opened up a spot on the sidelines at the 2016 All-Star Game.

Tyronn Lue, the new man in charge of the East’s top team, will coach the conference’s All-Star team in February as long as the Cavaliers (30–12) remain ahead of the Raptors (28–15) in the standings. According to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Lue thinks that Blatt should coach the team, although that’s not possible.

The Cavaliers fired Blatt in his second year despite a 30–11 record, and hired Lue, who was signed to a lucrative deal as a top assistant last off-season. Despite reports that LeBron James and his agent had pushed for Lue’s hiring, he said on Saturday that he was surprised by the move.

– Kenny Ducey