John Weisbrod to Resign

[DBAHO]

Damn, didn't see this coming at all, especially after he was the GM for only 1 season. Well I guess this means there's a better chance that Steve Francis could get dealt now, although I hope this doesn't impact our chances of getting Flip Saunders;

 

According to a report in the Orlando Sentinel, John Weisbrod is stepping down as the general manager of the Orlando Magic.

 

This move, which the Sentinel reported that an announcement could come as soon as Monday, comes as a surprise, since the Magic were closing in on a decision on a new head coach to replace fired coach Johnny Davis (Flip Saunders, Brian Hill and Eric Musselman are considered the front-runners among the final candidates). Interim coach Chris Jent — who took over the team with just 18 games remaining — is not considered among the leading candidates.

 

Apparently, it was Weisbrod's decision to leave the Magic, an unnamed NBA executive told the Orlando Sentinel.

 

Weisbrod, who has a hockey background, may look for an executive position within the NHL, which is currently in a lengthy lockout.

 

Weisbrod's legacy with the Magic will be last year's trade of star guard Tracy McGrady after a dismal 21-61 2003-04 season. The guard was shipped to Houston in exchange for point guard Steve Francis, shooting guard Cuttino Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato. Weisbrod also parted with power forward Juwan Howard, and guards Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines. The extreme makeover of the Magic roster continued when Weisbrod sent forward Drew Gooden and rookie forward Anderson Varejao to the Cavaliers in exchange for center/forward Tony Battie.

 

Weisbrod then made waves by taking some parting shots at McGrady, saying the guard was incapable of leading a winning team.

 

"It starts with how you define a superstar," Weisbrod said after the trade. "I think a superstar is defined by wins, by making the players around him better and by making the team better. On that part, my perception is a little different than most."

 

The changes resulted in a better record for the 2004-05 season — 36-46 — but no playoff appearance. The Magic will participate in Tuesday's NBA lottery with 14 other non-playoff teams.

 

Weisbrod succeeded John Gabriel as Magic GM in March of 2004. Before joining the Magic orgainization in 2000 as the chief operating officer, Weisbrod was the GM of the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League.

 

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Otis Smith, the Magic's director of player development, and Dave Twardzik, director of player personnel, are considered candidates to replace Weisbrod.