Atlanta Hawks: Ferry a friend of Brown but ‘fully engaged’ with Drew

Vivlamore reporting from Los Angeles.

Hawks general manager Danny Ferry told the AJC Saturday that while he considers fired Lakers’ coach Mike Brown a friend he is ‘fully engaged’ working with Larry Drew.

“Mike is a good friend and I have great respect for him as a coach but I am fully engaged with Larry and our partnership,” Ferry said. “I have enjoyed our process together so far and think we are building a positive foundation.”

Brown, who coached the Cavaliers when Ferry was GM, was fired by the Lakers Friday after a 1-4 start to the season. Ferry resigned his position with the Cavaliers two weeks after owner Dan Gilbert fired Brown in 2010. At the time, both Ferry and Gilbert called it a “mutual” parting. The main issue was reportedly Ferry’s disagreement with the release of Brown.

Drew, who is in the final year of his contract with the Hawks, declined comment when asked about the firing of Brown prior to Friday’s game against the Heat.

- Chris Vivlamore