Orlando Magic Wiretap

Weisbrod Ousted In Power Struggle?

According to one of Mitch Lawrence's tidbits in his Sunday column, John Weisbrod's ouster from power was part of a power struggle.

Apparently, Flip Saunders thought he had the Orlando coaching job locked up, but then GM John Weisbrod lost a power struggle. In addition to coaching, Saunders would have been No. 2 to Weisbrod in terms of personnel decisions. But then Magic owner Rich DeVos vetoed the move, opting to give personnel director Dave Twardzik more power and bring back Brian Hill as coach.

This is the first mention of this scenario anywhere but Weisbrod's sudden resignation without an NHL job has many believing that he was forced out.

Via NY Daily News


Brian Hill To Get A Second Stint As Magic Coach

Brian Hill will get a rare second chance with the team he took to the NBA Finals during the 1994-1995 season.

The Orlando Magic are expected to announce that current Nets assistant Brian Hill has been named their next head coach within the next few days.

It appears Hill beat out Flip Saunders and Eric Mussleman for the job and was offered a contract recently.

The two sides are said to be hammering out final details but an announcement could come as early as tonight.

Via Orlando Sentinel


Weisbrod Officially Resigns

Orlando Magic president and chief executive officer Bob Vander Weide announced today that general manager/chief operating officer John Weisbrod has resigned his position to pursue an opportunity in hockey.

In addition, Vander Weide announced that director of player personnel Dave Twardzik and director of player development Otis Smith will lead Magic basketball operations. Jim Fritz will continue in his role as executive vice president of business.

“We wish John all the best in making a return to the sport of his passion,” said Vander Weide. “We thank him for his leadership and vision over the past eight years. He will be missed.”

“Dave and Otis complement each other very well and have formed a unique bond,” added Vander Weide. “They bring a wide range of experience, great energy, dedication, leadership and vision to our basketball operations.

“Jim, who has been with us for 10-plus years, has been overseeing our day-to-day business operations for more than a year. He grew up in Orlando and has strong roots in the community. He has outstanding knowledge and expertise in regard to business strategic planning, fan relations, community relations, corporate relations, finance and marketing.”

Via NBA Press Release


Magic May 2005 Archive

  • Weisbrod Out As Magic GM

    Flip Saunders is rumored to be heading to Orlando and GM John Wesibrod is on the verge of resigning his post.

  • Jent Out Of Running For Magic Coaching Vacancy

    Interim head coach Chris Jent is no longer in the running to become the premanent head coach of the Orlando Magic.

  • Grant Hill Wins NBA Sportsmanship Award

    Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill is the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the 2004-05 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner, the NBA announced today.

  • Magic To Meet With Mussleman

    The Orlando Magic will meet with Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Eric Mussleman and could finish up interviews for their head coaching vacancy by the end of next week.

  • Coaching Search For Orlando Could End With Musselman Or Carlesimo

    Orlando Magic general manager John Weisbrod has been quiet about Orlando’s coaching search.

  • All-Rookie First And Second Teams Announced

    The 2004-05 got milk? NBA Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats and the 2004-05 NBA Sixth Man award recipient Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls headline a talented group of rookies named to the got milk? NBA All-Rookie Team, the NBA announced today.

  • Bulls Dominate All-Rookie First Team

    The 2004-05 All-Rookie first team was announced Thursday, with Emeka Okafor, Dwight Howard, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala and Luol Deng making the cut.