I was skeptical when Cavs’ owner Daniel Gilbert chose Danny Ferry as the team’s new General Manager. I still think about the Ron Harper trade when I hear Ferry’s name, a trade which could go down as one of the worst in NBA history. Why bring up the sordid past of this franchise by naming Ferry to lead the team in a critical period for the Cavaliers.
It looks like my opinion was misguided. The initial returns are that Ferry is off to a better start as an executive than he did as a player.
The new GM’s first free agent pick up was Larry Hughes, who is a complete player, not a one dimensional shooter that some wanted the Cavs to sign. Since Hughes can pass, score, and defend, he is the perfect complement to LeBron James. To me, Hughes is a similar player to Michael Jordan’s Robin, Scottie Pippen. The former Duke standout did not stop there, however. He knew the team needed outside shooting, so he signed Donyell Marshall, a veteran big man who can stroke the three.
He knew enough to resign Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who is one of the best centers in the league to maintain an inside presence offensively. He trusts that new coach Mike Brown, a defensive specialist, can improve the team defense sufficiently so that the big man’s weaknesses can be hidden.
Lastly, he signed another three point shooter, Damon Jones to play the point. With playmakers in James and Hughes, running the offense isn’t as big a priority for the Cavs lead guard as it is for other teams. Jones ability to stretch defenses with his shooting is more important than his playmaking.
The Cavaliers need more depth up front, especially with second year man Anderson Varajao out until the All Star break with a shoulder injury. At the wing spots, Sasha Pavlovic and last year’s first round pick, Luke Jackson are ready to contribute. Eric Snow is still around to provide defense at point guard.
Although Brown was hired before Ferry, there seems to be a bond between the two men, which should allow them to work well together. Ferry refers to Brown as his partner, much like Indians’ GM Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge’s relationship. That bodes well too. Especially after the cantankerous relationship former GM Jim Paxson and coach Paul Silas had.
The future looks bright for the 2005-6 edition of the Cavaliers. It had better, because LeBron James can be a free agent after next season, and he may need an incentive to keep wearing the wine and gold.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 