Wanted to bring back a thread on Dan Gilbert and after reading the first few pages of this thread (remarkable reading for what it's worth), I figured this might be a good place to start.
I've just gotten up to the chapter in 'The Franchise' where Dan buys the Cavs off Gund for $370 million or whatever it's worth. Some fascinating information on how it all unfolded, on where he came from and how he grew his business and how the practices he preaches in his business world was adopted by the Cavaliers organization when he came on board.
Unfortunately I wasn't apart of our Cavalier family back in 2005.
I'd love to know (probably more likely to be answered from you locals) what everyone's first opinions of Dan buying the Cavs was back then? Positive? Negative? Indifferent? Learning about the history of this ball club before I became an active and avid fan (that is, a couple of years after Dan took over & when I was able to actually watch 82+ games a season and consider myself a fan) of this ball club is inspiring and intriguing to say the least.
Fast forward almost 10 years and IMO we're looking at one of the best - perhaps not always the most intelligent - but one of the most devoted NBA owners in the league.
Overall, what do we make of the Dan Gilbert tenure so far? I'd chip in my two cents, but I feel like I don't perhaps have the longevity with this franchise to make comparisons with previous owners outside of what I've forever read online and on forums. I've only ever lived through the Gilbert ownership era. I'd love to know the thoughts from older members who have lived through the Gund/Stepien eras in retrospect (although I highly doubt we'll need any justification when comparing the likes of Stepien to Dan
).
Given the events of the last few months that have involved a very heavy focus on Dan's leadership and direction as not only a creative entrepreneur but a riveting and passionate sports fan, let's ignite some chit chat on his overall performance as owner of the Cavs.