Interview with Dan Gilbert

[MarkPrice25]

This interview with Dan Gilbert was done via email and appeared in today's (April 26) Plain Dealer.


Gilbert shares vision of winning organization
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Story by Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter
Dan Gilbert has certainly made a splash since taking over as Cavaliers owner during the first week of March. Since purchasing the franchise for $375 million, Gilbert has fired coach Paul Silas and President and General Manager Jim Paxson.

Here's the link http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1114512944104350.xml


You have to admit, this guy is pretty funny. "ESPN entertainer" Steven A. Smith ("Let's call him John A. Doe").


I found it rather interesting when asked for our biggest needs, he stated a scoring PG first before a shooting guard. We'll see what happens, but he does seem like he wants to win at all costs, and that's never a bad thing. Let's hope we get an experienced GM and Phillip as the coach. Then, hopefully Gilbert will sit back and let the basketball people do their jobs.

 

[Deadlock]

Q: Will you accept any excuses if the Cavs do not make the playoffs next season?

A: If we do not, there will be no excuse. It will just have been a failure on my part. I do not believe that will happen, but even if it does, we will keep going until we reach our ultimate vision.

That is probaly the best question and response on this whole interview.

 

[Karma]

He certainly got alot off his chest. Certainly not a fan of Steven A Smith. Reading that article, makes me believe his "50/50" chance of Z returning sounded more like 10/90. Makes this hard core fan weep a little.

 

[MarkPrice25]

I agree about Z. I really want him back, but I'm already thinking about next year's roster without him on it.

 

[Dungong]

Wow, sounds like Gilbert isn't too high on Stephen A Smith.

 

[TrueCavsFan23]

i think its gonna be funny on sportscenter or nba nation or nba fastbreak next year.they might ask stephen about gilbert and something that is going on and i bet he will always have something negative to say.he wont talk about what gilbert said about him but i bet he will always talk bad about him.i think stephen a. smith tried to sound smart and guessed we would fire him within 48 hours.but he was wrong

 

[Glen Infante]

Q: Is it true that you passed notes to Silas during a game asking him to play certain players? Why have rumors persisted about you as a meddlesome owner?

A: Obviously, that is completely false. Can you imagine an owner doing that? It is so absurd, you have to laugh at it. Then again, the "ESPN Entertainer" who said it is the same guy who made up the story about "Jim Paxson being fired within 48 hours" when it was completely untrue and never even discussed here at all. He is also the same guy who made up stories about "LeBron's mother not liking the new ownership team." This guy, lets call him "John A. Doe" is an entertainer, not a journalist. Most people who know basketball realize what a phony this guy is and how he primarily blurts out fantasy on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the Internet has sprung up a bunch of these lazy characters that just read each other's nonsense and rewrite the same story with a few new adjectives. They don't do any real work. They never called me or anyone else for comment. They never asked me if any of this BS was true or not.

Sooner or later, enough of their garbage is written that you become labeled a "meddlesome owner" or a "spoiled rich kid" or your team is now "Dan's house of horrors."

At first, I became angry at it. Now I just laugh it off. I am too focused on the real job of building the Cavaliers into a championship organization than to spend my time paying attention to these muckrakers.

:chuckles: Gilbert did an ownage on that one... wow.

 

[DDJ7777]

I like Mr. Gilbert. Good read, thank you.

 

[E-Light]

Obviously, Gilbert won't be making the basketball decisions, his people he brings in will. But, lets put some names next to his preferences.

Q: Does Zydrunas Ilgauskas fit into the Cavs' plans? Can you commit to a long-term deal with him? Is the team stronger with or without him?

A: That's a tough question. I agree with Z that it is about 50/50 odds he will be with us next year. I have never talked to so many people on an issue and see so many people (players, coaches, fans, scouts, etc.) be right on the line and not feel strongly either way. The question that must be answered first: Is his style of play the best style that works with the best kind of team you want to build around LeBron? If the answer is no, then you stop there. If it is yes, then you move on to the next questions: How much and how long will Z's agent insist on getting to sign him, how is Z's health, what could the Cavaliers get in return for a sign and trade? This will be one of the first decisions our new GM will have to make.

Like I thought, Gilbert doesn't like Z. He wants a tough defensive banger inside. But, the only defensive centers on the market are Dalembert [], Chandler(restricted), and Jerome James []. Chandler is the only good one.

Q: What are the top needs for this team in terms of talent?

A: Again, the GM will ultimately decide that one, but I think it's crystal clear we need a very good scoring and defensive- minded point guard. We need another strong, big guy (or two) who is also defensive minded and can clean the glass. We need another proven shooter who can take some of the pressure off of LeBron. We also would like to have an experienced "leader" who has been deep into the NBA playoffs and can help lead the young guys at crunch time.

Alright, this makes me tingle. An experienced leader, who has been deep in the play offs. And he wants a proven shooter as well. This sound like Ray Allen?

He also mentions we need a scoring point guard who is defensive minded. Well, Larry Hughes is a strong defender, and can score in bunches.

Q: Hiring the next general manager and coach will be the most important decision you have made since taking over ownership. What characteristics do you desire in the next GM and coach?

A: Integrity. Deep basketball knowledge. Team player. Will accept feedback and at least listen to all suggestions. Negotiating skills. Has had success in the past. No hidden agendas. A highly secure person who shares our philosophy. Loves winning. Close to their business.

I thought Danny denied the note passing But, this sounds like I dunno

Q: Who has given you the best advice since owning the Cavaliers and what was that advice?

A: He will remain anonymous, but he told me to use the same instincts I have used in my other businesses and do not listen to those who choose to wrap themselves up in the safe, warm blanket of riskless decision making. He also said not to listen to the vast majority of so- called experts. He has a lot of credibility. He has won several NBA championships.

How many coaches have won multiple championships. I hope he's not talking about Bill Lambeer. :thumbdown


So, from Gilberts speal, i got this starting line up...

Dalembert/Chandler/Jerome James
Drew Gooden/ Anderson Varejao
LeBron James
Ray Allen
Larry Hughes

 

[aggressivestyle]

chuck daly.

 

[King]

That was a good read. I think Gilbert sounds like he is going to do just fine as the owner of the cavs. I really like hearing what he has to say in all his interviews.

 

[CleveRocks]

I get:

Magloire
Dickau
James
Goober
Allen/Redd/Hughes/who knows..

and they would run better.

 

[CBBI]

It's tough to tell what is truth and what is bullshit when it comes to Danny Boy....

 

[NarlCavs]

You nailed it CBBI. I thought the same thing. Some things sound good but there was a lot of public relations BS in this interview.

The meddling reports and stories of "suggestions" have come from more than just Stephen A. Smith. When a major criteria for a new GM and coach is "will accept feedback and listen to all suggestions" then you know Gilbert does still want to get involved in areas better left to a new GM and coach who are much more knowledgable basketball wise. It's fine to have occasional meetings with your GM but you shouldn't be constantly sticking your nose in telling your basketball people what to do. You're not going to attract the best, most respected names if you're perceived that way.

It's all still wait and see though. I still try to give Gilbert the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

[CBBI]

Gilbert has money to burn....

Now what I'm hoping is that he spares no expense in his search for a quality general manager (someone who is either experienced, or has learned from a quality GM) and then once he hires that person, he gets out of the way completely.

I like Dan Gilbert. I'm glad that he is so committed to building a winning franchise. However, he knows nothing about running basketball operations.

Basically, he needs to open his wallet, hire a good GM, then get out of the way.