One-on-One with Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry

Here’s how the conversation went …

Danny Ferry: We’re taking our hits right now, but that's part of the process. We're 27-21 and we really haven't clicked on all cylinders consistently yet. We’ve had some tough losses and we’ve also had some quality wins. We think our team is still learning how to win and do it consistently. This is not an easy process. There has been one division title in the history of the franchise. We walked into this year having high expectations and those still exist.

Part of the process is learning to deal with those expectations. As we're doing that, our group is learning a new system and still developing as a team. Again, this is part of the overall process, we want immediate results and gratification, but we're still learning how to execute all of this on a consistent basis. That's the mark of a championship team ... I have seen it and lived it. Mike has experienced it, and we know what it takes to get there, but we need to do it every day, need to get it done as a team, players and coaches.

JG: How do you make sure everyone - players, coaches and front office - is on the same page?

DF: We are on the same page. Everyone here wants to win and is thinking team first. Secondly, we have a high level of communication within. Players, coaches and front office are in this together. There will be frustration by everyone when we don’t play our best.

JG: What about the debate on playing a more up-tempo game?

DF: I don’t believe anyone is saying we shouldn’t play more up-tempo. We can.

That doesn’t mean our primary focus can’t be defense, though. Mike Brown and everyone in the locker room wants to get up the floor, get into an early offense situation and get easier buckets. Overall, we have made progress on the defensive end and we need to continue building there. Our ranking in most defensive categories has improved.

When we execute consistently on defense it will translate into more efficient offensive opportunities. If our guys have opportunities to push and take it to the rim, they're being encouraged to do that.

JG: Specifically, what about the offensive changes?

DF: On the offensive end, we did make a lot of changes from last year. Overall, we're trying to create a lot more movement both on and off the ball. Admittedly, thus far, it's been a step backwards at times, but we believe the end result can be two steps forward. Also, we still need to do a better job of pushing the ball. The change was a risk, but we believe it was a good risk to take for the long term success of the ball club.

JG: Your thoughts on LeBron’s recent struggle with free throws?

DF: Obviously, our whole team hasn't been shooting the ball from the foul line well and it is an area that we need to get better. This isn't just a LeBron issue.

With regard to LeBron though, he has been working hard at improving on the foul line and I don't believe he is going to allow this to beat him. That's just how he is. It is safe to say he is practicing more free throws than at anytime in his life. He is trying to make some subtle changes that will help his rhythm. Again, he is not going to allow this to beat him.

No one is going to make every free throw, but we understand this is an area where we would like to get better. It is important and is being treated as such.

JG: The change was made at point guard recently. Your thoughts on Daniel Gibson so far?

DF: First, Eric Snow has been professional with this change and he’ll continue to be an important part of our success on the court. Prior to the change, he really helped Daniel’s adjustment to the NBA. Eric was asked to sacrifice and he has been very supportive of Daniel and the team. Daniel is lucky to have such great experience to draw from.

Daniel has done a good job with his opportunities. He has worked hard before, during and after practice. His game preparation has had a good focus. I'm happy he is getting this opportunity because he has worked hard and earned it.

JG: Before we started the interview, you talked about the change at point impacting Larry Hughes’ role. Can you explain that further?

DF: Larry’s role is continuing to evolve. He has played the role of a ball-handling guard a lot more recently. That could give him more opportunities to attack and create more plays for himself and others. Obviously, his play will be crucial to our success.

JG: Trade deadline is creeping up fast. Can anything be done to improve the team?

DF: We have been, and will be, exploring the trade market to see if we can improve the ball club. If there is an opportunity that makes us better we will pull the trigger, but we're not going to make a trade just to mix things up.

JG: How is Shannon Brown doing physically?

DF: The bruise he had was worse than we first thought. It ended up being a deeper bone bruise that needed time to recover. He is close to being fully recovered, though, and is about to return to full practice. Shannon has a chance to be a heck of an NBA player.

JG: Finally, what about the Eastern Conference and where the Cavaliers sit?

DF: The Eastern Conference has teams that have been up and down so far. We think some team or group is going to pull it together consistently and separate themselves as they head into the home stretch. This also presents a great opportunity for us.

We have to focus on hitting our own stride and take advantage of the opportunity that is there.