OAKLAND  When Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue decided to take a leave of absence on March 17 because of health concerns, Warriors coach Steve Kerr reached out to him with a phone call. On Wednesday, a day before the Warriors host the Cavaliers in Game 1 of The Finals, Kerr revealed what he said.
I just tried to share some of my experience when I was out last year, Kerr said. The main message was you cant allow what feels like the enormity of the job to interfere with your health and your recovery and whatever you need to do. I just told him the team will still be there when you get back.
Lue, 41, said in a statement in March that he had chest pains and other troubling symptoms, compounded by a loss of sleep.
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It was something Kerr could relate to after having struggled with health issues of his own. He had to miss the first 43 games of the 2015-16 season because of complications that stemmed from a back surgery. He also sat out the Warriors first 11 playoff games last year.
Kerr and Lue exchanged multiple texts, with Kerr pointing out that his health was paramount.
Sometimes I think in this job because there is so much passion from the fan bases, and because everybody wants to win so badly, it feels bigger than it really is, Kerr said. So just kind of a reminder that were playing a sport. Get better.
Lue returned to the sidelines on April 5 and, on Wednesday, he said Kerrs words meant a lot to him.
Just hearing from Steve, and hes been through something similar, it was great to hear him and talk to him and pick his brain about different circumstances, Lue said. So he was great. I appreciate all the support he gave me, along with all the rest of the NBA family. I really dont want to share much of what he talked about, but he was just very supportive. Just told me to get myself healthy, and lets make another strong run at it. So here we are again.
Kerr went on to praise Lue, whom he said is underappreciated as a coach.
Im a big fan of Tys, Kerr said. I dont think he gets enough credit, frankly. But thats probably the burden of coaching LeBron [James]. Theres a lot of benefits, but theres a burden too. And Ty has done a phenomenal job with that team. Made great adjustments throughout the playoffs when theyve been in some holes. So we have great respect for their coaching staff, and Im really thrilled hes back and looking healthy.