The Orlando Magic manager plays a crucial role in leading and coordinating the team. They are responsible for making strategic decisions, managing the players and coaching staff, and ensuring that the team performs at its best. The manager is in charge of building a winning team by scouting new talent, drafting new players, and making trades and signings. They work closely with the coaching staff to develop game plans, strategies, and tactics for games. In addition, the manager also serves as the main point of contact with the media, participating in press conferences and interviews to provide updates on the team's progress. Overall, the Orlando Magic manager plays a vital role in shaping the team and its success on and off the court.
Magic make changes in basketball operations and waive forward/center Bol
ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that the Orlando Magic appear to have wrapped up their offseason roster moves for the summer by waiving forward/center Bol Bol, the team made some changes to its basketball operations management, President of Basketball Operations John Weltman announced Wednesday.
What You Need To Know
- Magic promote Anthony Parker from assistant general manager to GM
- The former GM, John Hammond, will transition to senior adviser to Basketball Operations President John Weltman
- Pete D'Allesandro also was promoted to executive vice president
- The moves came a day after the Magic waived forward/center Bol Bol
Orlando promoted Anthony Parker to general manager from assistant general manager and named Pete D'Alessandro executive vice president.
As part of the moves, former general manager John Hammond will transition to senior adviser to Weltman.
Hammond has worked in the NBA for 32 seasons, including six as general manager of the Magic. He also was general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks and held multiple basketball operations roles with the Detroit Pistons, including as vice president of basketball operations during their 2004 championship run and multiple trips to the NBA Finals. Weltman served as assistant general manager under Hammond for five seasons (2008-13) and also worked with him in Detroit (2007-08).
“We are excited for John’s well-deserved next chapter,” Weltman said. “He has, and will continue to be, an invaluable resource. His experience has helped set the table for the Magic’s future and we look forward to continuing to lean on him in regard to everything from player evaluation to player development. He helped build a great team in Milwaukee and won a championship in Detroit. He has, and will continue to be, a great friend, mentor and confidant to the Magic family."
Parker rejoined Orlando in 2021 after spending four seasons (2017-21) as general manager of the Lakeland Magic (now Osceola Magic) of the NBA G League. Under his leadership, Lakeland recorded 94 regular-season victories since beginning play, tied for the most in the NBA G League during that span. It capped off the 2020-21 campaign by winning the NBA G League championship.
Prior to joining Lakeland, Parker spent five seasons (2012-17) as a scout with the Orlando Magic. He also played nine seasons in the NBA with Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto and Cleveland — including in 22 career playoff games — and also spent six seasons playing professionally in Europe.
“We are equally excited for Anthony and Pete in their well-deserved promotions," Weltman said. "Anthony brings a unique perspective to our group as a former player, and it has been great to watch his progression from player to scout to G League GM to the Magic’s assistant general manager. Anthony is the ultimate team player, and we look forward to his continued leadership, experience and energy."
D’Alessandro was promoted to associate general manager in August 2022 after joining the team as assistant general manager in June 2017. He also was senior vice president of business and team operations with Denver, general manager of the Sacramento Kings and worked for the Golden State Warriors. Before working on the team side of the business, D’Alessandro spent seven years at a Washington D.C.-based sports agency which represented both NBA and international basketball players.
“Pete has been instrumental in multiple areas, ranging from salary-cap expertise to coordination with the league office," Weltman said. "He is an outstanding leader, and his creativity, experience and knowledge are instrumental to what we’re doing.”
On Tuesday, the Magic appeared to put the finishing touch on their roster for the start of the 2023-24 season by waiving forward-center Bol Bol, Weltman announced.
Bol was a fan favorite because they never knew what to expect when he got the ball in his hands. At 7 feet, 2 inches, he might run from one end of the court to the other to dunk the basketball, and he often surprised opponents with his length — blocking shots or driving to the basket in ways they did not expect. Sometimes he turned it over, too. Bol played in 70 games for the Magic last season, starting 33, and averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.21 blocked shots in 21.5 minutes per game.
He was on a non-guaranteed contract this offseason. The guarantee date originally was extended from June 30, but the Magic also would have had 16 players on their roster after they signed their 2023 draft picks — guard Anthony Black and guard/forward Jett Howard — and reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent forward Joe Ingles. Deals with free agents cannot be signed until July 6. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, teams are limited to 15 players on their NBA rosters.
Orlando Magic Executives
Only the executives in charge of player personnel decisions (usually the general manager) are listed.
Overall, the Orlando Magic manager plays a vital role in shaping the team and its success on and off the court..
8 Stints
| Rk | Executive | Start | End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pat Williams | 1987 | 1996-04-29 | |
| 2 | John Gabriel | 1996-04-29 | 2004-03-12 | |
| 3 | John Weisbrod | 2004-03-12 | 2005-05-23 | |
| 4 | Dave Twardzik | 2005-05-23 | 2006-05-03 | Shared duties with Otis Smith |
| 5 | Otis Smith | 2005-05-23 | 2012-05-21 | Shared duties with Dave Twardzik from May 23, 2005 to May 3, 2006 |
| 6 | Rob Hennigan | 2012-06-20 | 2017-04-13 | |
| 7 | Matt Lloyd | 2017-04-13 | 2017-05-22 | |
| 8 | Jeff Weltman | 2017-05-22 | present |
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Reviews for "Inside the Mind of the Orlando Magic Manager: Insights from the Front Office"
- John - 1 star
I was so disappointed with Orlando Magic Manager. The graphics were really outdated and the gameplay was so boring. I couldn't believe how little control I had over my team. It felt like I was just watching a game instead of actually managing it. Overall, the game lacked excitement and didn't live up to my expectations at all.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I found Orlando Magic Manager to be quite frustrating. The user interface was confusing and it took me a while to figure out how to navigate through the game. The controls were also not very responsive, which made the gameplay experience quite frustrating. Additionally, the game lacked depth and didn't offer much in terms of strategic decision-making. I would not recommend this game to anyone looking for an engaging and enjoyable sports management experience.
- Mike - 1 star
Orlando Magic Manager was a complete waste of my time. The game was filled with bugs and glitches, which made it virtually unplayable. The AI was extremely inconsistent and made questionable decisions throughout the game. The lack of updates and support from the developers is also a major letdown. Save your money and find a better basketball management game out there. This one is not worth it.
- Emily - 2 stars
Orlando Magic Manager had potential, but it ultimately fell short. The game lacked depth and variety, making it repetitive and boring after a while. The player and team statistics were not sufficient, and there were no real challenges or goals to work towards. The game also lacked a sense of realism and didn't capture the excitement of managing a basketball team. Overall, I was disappointed with the game and wouldn't recommend it to others.