Kori Ellis
06-27-2005, 02:28 AM
Ferry leaves Spurs to become Cavaliers' GM
Web Posted: 06/27/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA062705.1D.ferry.fb81b54.html
Champagne stains still drying in their locker room, the Spurs learned Sunday any work toward another championship now includes plugging a sizable hole in their front office.
Danny Ferry, the team's director of basketball operations the past two seasons, accepted an offer to become Cleveland's new general manager. The Cavaliers are expected to announce his hiring today.
Ferry, who played 10 seasons in Cleveland, will be charged with rebuilding the franchise around the NBA's brightest young star, LeBron James. He also will be reunited with former Spurs assistant Mike Brown, who was hired as the Cavaliers' head coach earlier this month.
Ferry called his decision to leave "unbelievably painful." He and his wife, Tiffany, debated for days whether to remain with the Spurs before finally agreeing to the Cavaliers' five-year deal Sunday morning. By Sunday evening, he was on a plane to Cleveland.
"The opportunity is exciting, and it just seemed like a great challenge," Ferry said. "But it had to be a great challenge because I love being in San Antonio, I love the Spurs, and my family was settled and happy."
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said he probably won't hire a new director of basketball operations until after the draft and free-agent signing period are completed. Sam Presti, the Spurs' director of player personnel, was already considered on equal level with Ferry, so the team is expected to fill the position with an outside hire.
"Danny's going to be very difficult to replace not only in our management, but in our Spurs family," Buford said. "His impact and the impact of his family was felt far beyond the walls of the office."
Ferry might not be the only Spurs' staffer to depart. Joe Prunty, the team's advance scout and summer-league coach, interviewed Sunday to join Avery Johnson's coaching staff in Dallas. Provided a deal can be arranged, Prunty is expected to leave.
Ferry played three seasons with the Spurs from 2000-03. In addition to becoming one of the team's more dependable 3-point shooters, his toughness, professionalism and sense of humor made him popular with his teammates and coaches.
After helping the Spurs win the 2003 championship, Ferry retired and joined the team's front-office staff. He helped Buford and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in draft preparation, contract negotiations and trade discussions. Ferry also designed a nutritional program for the team that has been well received.
"R.C. and Pop have both been unbelievable with me, from when I was playing to doing front-office stuff," Ferry said. "If I do half as well as both of those guys, then I will have done great."
Cleveland hired Ferry under the assumption Detroit coach Larry Brown isn't going to also join the franchise. Larry Brown had previously discussed becoming the Cavaliers' president of basketball operations.
The chance to work again with Mike Brown, who was on the Spurs' coaching staff when Ferry played, factored heavily in Ferry's decision. In addition to having James under contract for at least two more seasons, the Cavaliers hope to use their salary-cap room to re-sign center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a friend and former teammate of Ferry's.
Ferry will begin work today, leaving him little time to prepare for Tuesday's draft. The Cavaliers currently do not have a single draft pick but are reportedly looking to trade for one.
"I think Mike's going to be a great coach," Ferry said. "And with LeBron and the cap flexibility, I thought it was a rare situation I couldn't let pass.
"I had to feel comfortable with (the owners) as people because I was already so comfortable with the Spurs," added Ferry. "Everyone with the Spurs, from the women who work in the front office to the guys that clean the building, is just great people.
"I'm going to miss the quality and character of Tim (Duncan) and Manu (Ginobili) and the other players. They won the championship this year, and I think they have an opportunity to do it again.
"Not being around to contribute in some small way is disappointing."
Web Posted: 06/27/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA062705.1D.ferry.fb81b54.html
Champagne stains still drying in their locker room, the Spurs learned Sunday any work toward another championship now includes plugging a sizable hole in their front office.
Danny Ferry, the team's director of basketball operations the past two seasons, accepted an offer to become Cleveland's new general manager. The Cavaliers are expected to announce his hiring today.
Ferry, who played 10 seasons in Cleveland, will be charged with rebuilding the franchise around the NBA's brightest young star, LeBron James. He also will be reunited with former Spurs assistant Mike Brown, who was hired as the Cavaliers' head coach earlier this month.
Ferry called his decision to leave "unbelievably painful." He and his wife, Tiffany, debated for days whether to remain with the Spurs before finally agreeing to the Cavaliers' five-year deal Sunday morning. By Sunday evening, he was on a plane to Cleveland.
"The opportunity is exciting, and it just seemed like a great challenge," Ferry said. "But it had to be a great challenge because I love being in San Antonio, I love the Spurs, and my family was settled and happy."
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said he probably won't hire a new director of basketball operations until after the draft and free-agent signing period are completed. Sam Presti, the Spurs' director of player personnel, was already considered on equal level with Ferry, so the team is expected to fill the position with an outside hire.
"Danny's going to be very difficult to replace not only in our management, but in our Spurs family," Buford said. "His impact and the impact of his family was felt far beyond the walls of the office."
Ferry might not be the only Spurs' staffer to depart. Joe Prunty, the team's advance scout and summer-league coach, interviewed Sunday to join Avery Johnson's coaching staff in Dallas. Provided a deal can be arranged, Prunty is expected to leave.
Ferry played three seasons with the Spurs from 2000-03. In addition to becoming one of the team's more dependable 3-point shooters, his toughness, professionalism and sense of humor made him popular with his teammates and coaches.
After helping the Spurs win the 2003 championship, Ferry retired and joined the team's front-office staff. He helped Buford and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in draft preparation, contract negotiations and trade discussions. Ferry also designed a nutritional program for the team that has been well received.
"R.C. and Pop have both been unbelievable with me, from when I was playing to doing front-office stuff," Ferry said. "If I do half as well as both of those guys, then I will have done great."
Cleveland hired Ferry under the assumption Detroit coach Larry Brown isn't going to also join the franchise. Larry Brown had previously discussed becoming the Cavaliers' president of basketball operations.
The chance to work again with Mike Brown, who was on the Spurs' coaching staff when Ferry played, factored heavily in Ferry's decision. In addition to having James under contract for at least two more seasons, the Cavaliers hope to use their salary-cap room to re-sign center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, a friend and former teammate of Ferry's.
Ferry will begin work today, leaving him little time to prepare for Tuesday's draft. The Cavaliers currently do not have a single draft pick but are reportedly looking to trade for one.
"I think Mike's going to be a great coach," Ferry said. "And with LeBron and the cap flexibility, I thought it was a rare situation I couldn't let pass.
"I had to feel comfortable with (the owners) as people because I was already so comfortable with the Spurs," added Ferry. "Everyone with the Spurs, from the women who work in the front office to the guys that clean the building, is just great people.
"I'm going to miss the quality and character of Tim (Duncan) and Manu (Ginobili) and the other players. They won the championship this year, and I think they have an opportunity to do it again.
"Not being around to contribute in some small way is disappointing."