The Plain Dealer aside, here's an article from an Israeli paper that this guy translated, an interview with Ferry on Saras:
http://forum-english.tzahevet.co.il/viewtopic.php?p=43#43
Danny Ferry, in a special interview to Israel's "Yeditoh ahronot": "A James-Sarunas cooperation already stirs our fans' Imagination"
"Currently Snow is at PG. if Sarunas joins us he won't be left to dry on the bench. He certainly can show what he knows in the big boys league"
by: Alon Reichman
It is not yet certain where Sarunas Jasikevicious will play next season, but odds are the Lithuanian point guard will eventually land at the Cleveland Cavaliers, although Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers are also interested.
Danny Ferry, appointed three weeks ago as the Cavs GM, will probably be the key person to decide about Saras. Ferry, a promising college player (Duke) but only mediocre at the NBA (most of his tenure was in Cleveland), came to the job after two successful years at the 2005 world champions San Antonio's front office. After successfully extending Lithuanian Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and landing top free agent Larry Hughes from Washington, Ferry's next goal is to fortify the PG position. Saras is the leading Candidate for the role.
Congratulations on the new job.
"Thank you. Actually, I'm following my father's footsteps, Bob Ferry, who played 10 seasons in the NBA and later headed the Washington GM position for 17 years. I can only hope I'll do as good of a job as he did".
Cleveland underwent quite a few changes in the summer. You've switched coaches, owners and GM's.
"True, we made several changes so we can return to the playoffs next season".
Since your arrival things were set in motion. After agreeing in principal with Hughes and Ilgauskas, is the next target Saras?
"Sarunas is definitely a player we're interested in. We spoke several times with his agent and followed him during the previous year. He's a terrific PG, a true winner and a floor general".
How do you estimate his chances of signing in Cleveland?
"Teams cannot officially sign players up till july 22nd, but I estimate there's a good chance Saras will come to us. In the Lithuania-USA game in Athens the entire world saw what he's capable of, and I've no doubt he could do well in the NBA".
Is the fact that his good friend Zydrunas Ilgauskas plays for you affect him joining the organization?
"It is definitely an advantage that the team has one of his teammates on the national Lithuanian team, and a player he's known for years. I understand they are good friends and that they have a blind understanding of each other on the court. That can only help, of course".
The Cavs are rebuilding around LeBron James. Do you think playing alongside Saras could even make him better?
"I don't have a shred of a doubt. Saras is a gifted passer, on of the best, a player who makes others around him better. A James-Sarunas cooperation is something that already stirs our fans' Imagination, and my own".
You are aware that Indiand are also interested in Saras. Pacers President, Larry Bird, even met with him in Tel-Aviv.
"Yes, but we've also been monitoring for a long time and our new coach, Mike Brown, likes him a lot. Eventually, money and contract length that any team can offer will be a major factor".
What can you offer Saras?
"We are still in the final stages of consolidating the acquisition and checking our salary cap space and remaining funds under it. I know Saras' agent wants a three year, 10 million contract. I believe that if things work out, money won't be a problem".
After becoming the top PG in europe, Saras also looks for a team where he can guaranty himself solid minutes.
"every player wants as much playing time as possible, and who decides that is ultimately the coach. We're in search of a starting PG, though we currently have Snow in this position. If Sarunas joins us, he won't be left to dry on the bench".
At 29, without the defensive skills and athletic inferiority in comparison to most NBA point guards, do you believe Saras can become an NBA star?
"Until he plays, we won't know. I very much believe in him. He masks his shortcomings with a great vision of the court and terrific shooting. Sabonis came to the league at 31 and gave 7 amazing seasons, so it's not too late for Saras. In my opinion, he's definitely in his prime now, and can absolutely show what he knows in the big league".
After 2 wonderful years in Maccabi you'll get quite a few Israeli Fans.
"You know what? I did not think about it that way. We always said we'll get a lot of new Lithuanian fans. But if him joining us will bring Cleveland new fans from Israel, we'll be more than happy".
