Danny Ferry to Pelicans: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Former Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry has found his next gig, joining the New Orleans Pelicans as a special advisor. 

“I am excited to announce Danny Ferry has accepted our offer to join the New Orleans Pelicans basketball operations staff as a special advisor,” general manager Dell Demps said in a statement Wednesday. “Danny’s experience, insight and achievements will be a welcomed addition to the Pelicans as we continue our quest to improve the team.”

Ferry, 49, spent three seasons as the Hawks general manager before stepping down in June 2015 after repeating culturally insensitive comments from a scouting report in reference to Miami Heat forward Luol Deng. He took a 10-month leave of absence after his comments surfaced before he and the team mutually agreed to part ways.

Prior to his time in Atlanta, Ferry spent five seasons as the general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10) and two years as the vice president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs. 

He also spent 13 seasons as an NBA player with the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs, averaging 7.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

Despite the nature of his departure from Atlanta, Ferry helped to build the foundation of the team that has had so much success over the past several years. He managed to pull off a rare feat in the NBA—building a title contender without having a franchise-changing superstar. 

The Pelicans don't have that problem. Anthony Davis is a foundational player, an MVP-in-waiting who has been surrounded by an injury-riddled supporting cast. Ferry, working closely with Demps, will have to make decisions about free agents-to-be Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson (player option) and Norris Cole while also trying to nail a lottery pick in a weak draft.

In many ways, this situation mirrors Ferry's tenure in Cleveland. He already has the superstar. Now, it's his job to build around him and ensure he doesn't bolt to greener pastures in a few years.