Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is continuing his recovery after suffering a stroke roughly a week and a half ago, and on Wednesday, the team offered an update on his condition.
While few specifics were offered, Quicken Loans CEO Jay Farner said Gilbert "maintains his strong sense of humor and focus on constant improvement." Farmer even added that Gilbert had even recently asked for his (unnamed) favorite beverage, and when staff told him he couldn't have it, Gilbert "insisted that a review of the hospital’s beverage best-practices be completed."
Gilbert was hospitalized in Detroit back on May 26, with both the Cavs and his company Quicken Loans confirming he had indeed had a stroke. His family issued a statement days later saying he was "awake, responsive and resting comfortably," while Quicken Loans vice chairman Bill Emerson told Crain's Detroit Business his boss was "doing as well as he can be doing."
Farner added on Wednesday that "Dan’s recovery is a process that will take time – but we are all confident that he will meet this challenge head on as he always does."
"Dan Gilbert and his family are beyond grateful for the thoughts and well wishes from so many people as they focus on Dan’s recovery," Farner wrote.
Gilbert will be taking a leave of absence from Quicken Loans while he seeks treatment. The Cavaliers have not specified if he will do the same for them, but it is certainly reasonable to expect that to be the case. The team is currently preparing for the 2019 NBA Draft, where they own the fifth overall pick.
Gilbert founded Quicken Loans (then named Rock Financial) in 1985 and purchased the Cavs from Gordon Gund in 2005. Since that time, the franchise has made the playoffs nine times, earned five Eastern Conference championships, and won the 2016 NBA championship.