Career Timeline of Tyronn Lue: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tyronn Lue made an impact.

Tyronn Lue is an American professional basketball coach, currently leading the Los Angeles Clippers. Prior to his current role, he achieved significant success as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guiding them to their first NBA championship. Lue's coaching career has been marked by his ability to lead teams to victory, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: NIT Champion

In 1995, Tyronn Lue was a key member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers team.

1996: Won National Invitation Tournament

In 1996, Tyronn Lue was a key member of the 1995–96 team that won the 1996 National Invitation Tournament, defeating Saint Joseph's University in the finals.

1998: Early NBA Draft Entry and Trade to Lakers

In 1998, Tyronn Lue opted for early entry into the 1998 NBA draft. He was selected 23rd overall by the Denver Nuggets but was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers with Tony Battie for Nick Van Exel.

1998: Drafted into the NBA

In 1998, Tyronn Lue was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA draft with the 23rd overall pick. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: NBA Finals Appearance and Championship Win

In 2001, Tyronn Lue excelled in the playoffs and was assigned to guard Allen Iverson during Game 1 of the Finals. The Lakers won the NBA championship, and Lue appeared in each NBA Finals game.

2001: Signed with Washington Wizards

In the off-season of 2001, Tyronn Lue signed with the Washington Wizards, where he received more playing time and developed into a better point guard.

2003: Played with Orlando Magic

In 2003, Tyronn Lue played with the Orlando Magic, sharing minutes with Tracy McGrady. However, the team had the worst record in the NBA that season at 21-61.

August 30, 2005: Re-signed with the Hawks

On August 30, 2005, Tyronn Lue re-signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

February 16, 2008: Acquired by the Sacramento Kings

On February 16, 2008, Tyronn Lue was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in a trade that sent Mike Bibby to the Hawks.

July 17, 2008: Signed by the Milwaukee Bucks

On July 17, 2008, Tyronn Lue signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.

February 5, 2009: Traded to Orlando Magic

On February 5, 2009, Tyronn Lue was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Keith Bogans and cash considerations.

October 23, 2009: Named Director of Basketball Development for the Boston Celtics

On October 23, 2009, the Boston Celtics named Tyronn Lue as their director of basketball development.

2009: Director of Basketball Development for the Boston Celtics

In 2009, after his playing career ended, Tyronn Lue became the Director of Basketball Development for the Boston Celtics.

2011: Became an assistant on Celtics' head coach Doc Rivers' staff

In 2011, Tyronn Lue became an assistant on Celtics' head coach Doc Rivers' staff.

July 2013: Joined Los Angeles Clippers Coaching Staff

In July 2013, Tyronn Lue joined the coaching staff of the Los Angeles Clippers.

June 23, 2014: Joined Cleveland Cavaliers as Associate Head Coach

On June 23, 2014, Tyronn Lue joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as associate head coach.

2014: Hired as associate head coach for the Cavaliers

In 2014, Tyronn Lue was hired by the Cavaliers as associate head coach.

2015: Promotion to Head Coach and NBA Championship

During the 2015–16 season, Tyronn Lue was promoted to head coach, replacing David Blatt. That same season, Lue coached the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship.

January 22, 2016: Named Head Coach of the Cavaliers

On January 22, 2016, Tyronn Lue was named head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers following the firing of David Blatt.

June 19, 2016: Led Cavaliers to NBA Championship

On June 19, 2016, Tyronn Lue led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA championship.

2016: Coached Cavaliers to 51-31 record

In the 2016–17 NBA season, Tyronn Lue coached the Cavaliers to a 51–31 record.

2017: Lost to Golden State Warriors in NBA Finals

In the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers, coached by Tyronn Lue, lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games.

October 2018: Fired from Cavaliers

In October 2018, Tyronn Lue was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

October 28, 2018: Fired by Cleveland Cavaliers

On October 28, 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers fired Tyronn Lue after an 0–6 start to the season.

2019: Worked in Informal Role and Named Lead Assistant Coach

In 2019, after being fired by Cleveland, Tyronn Lue worked in an informal role with Doc Rivers and was later named the lead assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers.