Orlando Magic promoted Anthony Parker to general manager on Wednesday, replacing long-term league executive John Hammond, who decided to move to the senior role of consultant.
Parker, GM’s assistant, takes over as CEO of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and completes a huge rise from NBA and EuroLeague players to Magic Scout, CEO of G League and now GM.
Parker was the sought-after executive director of other teams for most of his 11-year franchise, but remained in a magical organization and methodically prepared to become senior basketball executive there.
Magic also promoted associated GM Pete D’Alessandro to executive vice president of basketball operations. D’Alessandro is a former master general with kings (2013-2015) and a long-time executive director with Warriors and Nuggets. He joined Magic as GM’s assistant in 2017.
Hammond, 68, has been in a consultative role since his 32-year tenure as assistant coach and executive director of the league. After joining the NBA in coaching states with Timberwolf and Clippers, Hammond became a key player for the 2000s Pistons Championship under Joe Dumars. Hammond spent nine seasons as Bucks GM, winning the Executive Director of the Year in 2010 and composing the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall selection in 2013.
“We’re excited about John’s well-deserved next chapter,” said basketball operations president Jeff Weltman. “He has and will remain an invaluable resource. Your experience has helped prepare the table for the future of Magic and we look forward to your continued support for everything from player evaluation to player development.”
Parker, who spent nine seasons in the NBA as a player, became the GM of the NBA G-League Lakeland Magic in 2017. He moved to the front of Orlando in 2021 as GM’s assistant.
While Magic lost the playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2022-23, Hammond leaves a solid base.
Paolo Banchero is the newcomer of the year, averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Franz Wagner continued to make progress in his second season, increasing 18.6 points per game and taking 36.1% off the outside of the arc. Wendell Carter Jr. is an artist consistent with a contract of negotiation.
The jury is still waiting for Orlando from the 2023 NBA draft.
Arkansas defender Anthony Black could be an effective two-way player and his appearance provides front-line office with avenues to explore deals centered around defenders already on the list. However, Michigan striker Jet Howard is widely rated at No. 11, with Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman predicting he will be the 25th player in the final draft.
Perhaps magic will prove to be true to their appreciation of Howard.
However, it is a good time to make major changes in the organization.
Between Banchero and Wagner, Parker has the core to be a candidate for the next Magic playoff. Now, it’s up to him to keep building on it and find the pieces that take the team to a new level.