The Pelicans yesterday announced the hiring of former Hawks GM Danny Ferry "as a special adviser in basketball operations," according to John Reid of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. A source said that Ferry's job will "involve providing input and working collaboratively" with Pelicans Senior VP/Basketball Operations & GM Dell Demps, coach Alvin Gentry and Exec VP/Basketball Operations Mickey Loomis. Another source said that Demps, who "urged Ferry's hiring to ownership, will have final say on all basketball personnel-related matters." Reid notes Ferry in '14 was "forced to take a leave of absence from the Hawks because of racial comments made in a conference call with team owners" in regards to Heat F Luol Deng (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 6/9). THE UNDEFEATED's Marc Spears cited a source as saying that Ferry will "be a consultant to the Pelicans in a similar fashion" as Warriors Exec Board member Jerry West. Demps "worked closely with Ferry" with the Spurs before his move to the Pelicans. Sources said that Demps has "turned to Ferry as a sounding board frequently over the past two years about various Pelicans moves" (THEUNDEFEATED.com, 6/8). In New Orleans, Dawson & Kushner report Ferry will be "based out of Atlanta, not the Pelicans’ offices, but will travel to New Orleans as needed." A source said that he and Demps are "still working out the details of how much time Ferry will spend in New Orleans" (New Orleans ADVOCATE, 6/9).
VOUCH FOR HIM: The TIMES-PICAYUNE's Reid notes the Pelicans "received strong support" from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shortly after they announced the hire. Silver: "Danny Ferry has years of experience in the game, an excellent basketball mind and a terrific track record. I am confident he'll be a valuable contributor to the Pelicans organization" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 6/9). THE VERTICAL's Michael Lee wrote Ferry was "forced to wait for an opportunity that wasn't guaranteed to ever come -- no matter how much credit he deserved for making the Hawks relevant again, no matter how much support he garnered amid a controversy that could've easily been avoided had he shown better judgment." The road back was "going to require more than apologies, humbling gestures to make amends with an injured community or even being cleared of racial bias by an independent investigation." Former Nets GM Billy King said of Ferry, "He is one of the best basketball minds I’ve been around and I think he’ll be a great addition to [the Pelicans]. He is excited to get back to working and helping a franchise" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/8).
