NBA News 2016: Why Coach Ty Lue Owes LeBron $100; Kevin Garnett to Join Cavs Coaching Staff?
For a rookie head coach to be able to take the helm of a franchise led by no less than the best basketball player on the planet today, and steer them to a championship against a formidable and record-setting opponent that has just won the title the previous year, Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers has already made quite a name for himself.
It's no secret that one of the greatest attributes of a good coach in any sport is his knack for motivating his squad when the odds are stacked against them. And, Coach Lue knows exactly how to do it.
Coach Lue's Formula for Fuccess
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In the recently concluded NBA Finals, the Cavs defeated the Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors in a grueling seven-game tussle. One of the tricks Coach Ty Lue had up his sleeves in order to motivate his players and help the team overcome a 1-3 deficit is something that involves money.
According to the story, the Cavs head coach asked for a hundred bucks each from every member of the team, including the staff and owner Dan Gilbert, during Game 5 of the Finals held at the Warriors home arena. He wrapped the bundle of cash with a tape and stash it somewhere in the ceiling of the coaches' office.
He made the challenge to his players to try to get the money back. And, the only way for them to accomplish that is to force the series into a game seven where they'd be back to Oakland.
It seemed like the players responded well to the challenge as they were able to extend the series and win the championship. Everybody got their money back. Almost.
"I'm still looking for my money. I didn't get mine back," LeBron James said. And to date, Coach Lue still owes LeBron a hundred bucks.
Cavs Asst. Coach Kevin Garnett?
Meanwhile, Coach Lue also shared that he was trying to talk Kevin Garnett, who recently announced his NBA retirement, into taking a spot on his coaching staff.
"I talked to him about it. I know his wife is pushing for it a lot," Lue said.
The pair was able to forge a good relationship when both were still in Boston. Lue was working as an assistant under former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. He said that Garnett earned his admiration through his attitude and professionalism, and just how the guy approached the game day in and day out.
