General Manager Danny Ferry

[LyXo]

Learning curve hits Dan G.
In the haze and humidity that camped over Lake Erie Monday, Dan Gilbert's private jet bounced around like a pinball on his way into Cleveland for his press conference to introduce Danny Ferry as general manager.

He showed up at (Your Ad Here) Arena looking a little green and with some sweat on his brow. For the first time, I felt like he was grasping exactly what he'd gotten himself into. The long, hard process he'd just gone through showed all over his face. And, frankly, I think that's a good thing.

Four weeks ago when we assembled at the arena for Mike Brown's press conference, it was grandly staged on the practice court on the fourth floor with fine Danish and orange juice, stages for cameras and the honored guests. Gilbert was in a well-selected and wonderfully tailored suit. He had props and jokes prepared and he drilled the media for the Larry Brown rumors and their so-called lies. He explained away his decision to hire a coach before a GM and told us how he was going to hire a president and a vice president/general manager.

Monday no one wore a suit in a cramped room deep in the arena bowels and there were no props or fancy foods. It was done on the run, just like Gilbert's hiring of Ferry as owner now explained that no, he didn't need a president now. Peaking around the 8-ball, he admitted he could no longer wait on Larry Brown and do so in the humblest of manners.

Everyone I spoke with who interviewed with Gilbert and his fellow owners praised him and said they think he'll be a great owner. I said I didn't think he knew what he was getting himself into at all and his brashness resembled Nero fiddling as Rome burned.

He thought he could sell his team with confidence, energy and slick marketing like it was an interest-only loan. But in the end it was Ferry holding Gilbert over the fire. Ferry doesn't need Gilbert's money and really didn't need a job, even though he wanted it. So he laid down the terms and Gilbert, feeling the intense pressure of holding his shredded plan together, and made the deal.

I think this was a very, very valuable learning experience for the new ownership, one that will ultimately help them as they move forward. Gilbert became a better owner after going through these last six weeks and it will show up down the road. It was something that needed to happen.

Danny Ferry and Mike Brown are two of the best young minds in the NBA and the Cavs have some bullets to fire that could make this next month and upcoming season very exciting. The problem is, this next month may largely determine how their tenures go. So stay tuned.

For some great stuff, also check out my notebook from today with stuff on Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Larry Brown and more.

Take care,
Brian

Source | Windhorst Blog

Ferry coming in has really helped this organization. Let's see how he does in this FA-rich offseason

 

[Mac]

Man, Im really dissapointed in that trade falling apart.

I wouldnt have selected Robinson, great college player, just too small for the NBA, but I really would have liked that deal to go throug.

 

[NarlCavs]

I think Sam Smith got that trade rumor wrong in the Chicago paper. Windhorst reported it earlier as Voskul and the Suns 2ND round pick going to Cleveland, not their #1 pick.
That makes much more sense since there's no way the Suns would give up the 21st pick for Jiri Welsch and also that pick ended up as part of the Knicks trade.

 

[WildThing]

I don't have much backround info on Ferry. In fact, this is the first time I've heard of him.I know he was with the spurs, but what exactly was he and what did he do? I've seen some info in this topic, but I'm a little curious.

 

[Karma]

Here is a quick overview of Danny Ferry

* Star at Duke University
* Drafted 2nd by LA Clippers
* Played in Italy in 1st season due to contract dispute with Cllippers
* Clippers traded right to Cleveland for Ron Harper (worst trade ever, at least up there)
* Ferry has a steady without being outstanding career in Cleveland.
* Ferry has played the most games for Cavaliers.
* Ferry moves to San Antonio where he finishes his career with a ring.
* Ferry is then placed in the front office, assisting in player signing, scouting and stuff.
* Shows great potential that Cavalier's offer him the GM gig with only 3 years of front office experience.
* Ferry accepts Cavaliers GM position.