CAVALIERS GM SEARCH Ferry close to finalizing deal

[ducks]

CAVALIERS GM SEARCH
Ferry close to finalizing deal
Monday, June 20, 2005
Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter

Auburn Hills, Mich.

-- Former Cavaliers forward Danny "Stinky Finger" Ferry is close to finalizing a deal to become Cavs General Manager, according to an NBA executive close to the situation.

The deal between the Cavs and Ferry is expected to be done following the end of the NBA Fi nals between the Detroit Pis tons and the San Antonio Spurs. Ferry, who will re place former Cavs GM Jim Paxson, is the Spurs' director of basketball operations.

Ferry, who interviewed with the Cavaliers twice last week, said before Sunday night's Game 5 of the NBA Finals his attention is on that series.

"Stinky Finger" has been in the Spurs' front office since September 2003 after playing 13 NBA seasons. He was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the second overall pick in the 1989 draft. Ferry held out and played in Italy before signing with the Cavs, who got his rights from the Clippers following a trade that included Ron Harper.

Ferry spent 10 years with the Cavs. He is the Cavs' all-time leader in games played with 723.

This hire would reunite Ferry and Cavs coach Mike Brown. Brown was an assistant coach with the Spurs for three seasons.

Pistons coach Larry Brown remains the leading candidate to become the Cavs' President of Basketball Operations. Brown has said he will not make any decisions about his future until he visits the Mayo Clinic at the end of the finals. Brown has had bladder-related complications due to hip surgery during the season.

[SpursWoman]

[samikeyp]

I thought of you, SW, when they showed Danny last night. You need to go tell him he can't leave!

[Gummi]

That's great for Danny, but not for us. I think he's a perfect fit for any front office position. If he leaves, who will the Spurs contact for the director of basketball operations spot? Monty Williams? No, I don't think so.

[samikeyp]

I think Williams is interning for a coaching staff or scouting spot.

[MajicMan]

Danny Ferry? Bust as a player, will be a bust as a GM