John Weisbrod

John Weisbrod is a former General Manager and chief operating officer of the Orlando Magic, a professional basketball team of the NBA.

Related Topics:
General Manager - Orlando Magic - NBA

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Born in Long Island, NY, Weisbrod was a hockey player for many years before becoming an executive in the New Jersey Devils farm system. After that, he joined the Orlando Solar Bears as the GM. When the team disbanded, the Solar Bears owner promoted him into the Magic organization in an administrative position. However, he was soon promoted to GM of the Magic after the team fired John Gabriel following a disappointing 21-61 season in 2003-2004.

Related Topics:
New Jersey Devils - John Gabriel

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As GM, Weisbrod has gained the reputation of a no-nosense guy. He was instrumental in the firing of Doc Rivers, and appointed Johnny Davis head coach of the Magic. However, with 18 games left in the 2004-2005 season, Weisbrod also fired Davis and named assistant coach Chris Jent the interim head coach. The Magic, now currently in the offseason after missing the playoffs, are seeking a replacement head coach.

Related Topics:
Doc Rivers - Johnny Davis - Chris Jent - Playoffs

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Weisbrod was also responsible for the blockbuster trade of disgruntled superstar Tracy McGrady. In a 7-player deal which sent McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and another player to the Houston Rockets, the Magic received erratic point guard Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato. That megatrade was only the beginning of the dismantling of the 2003-2004 team; Weisbrod only retained three of the players for the 2004-2005 season.

Related Topics:
Tracy McGrady - Juwan Howard - Tyronn Lue - Houston Rockets - Steve Francis - Cuttino Mobley - Kelvin Cato

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Weisbrod also acquired swingman Hedo Turkoglu, center Tony Battie (traded to Cleveland for Drew Gooden, defensive player Doug Christie (traded to the Sacramento Kings for Mobley), and drafted Dwight Howard with the number one pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. In addition, Weisbrod also acquired Jameer Nelson in that draft, trading a future first round pick to the Denver Nuggets in return for Nelson, who was the 20th pick.

Related Topics:
Hedo Turkoglu - Tony Battie - Cleveland - Drew Gooden - Doug Christie - Sacramento Kings - Dwight Howard - NBA Draft - Jameer Nelson - Denver Nuggets

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On May 23, 2005, Weisbrod resigned from his position of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Orlando Magic, citing an opportunity to return to an executive position in the National Hockey League.

Related Topics:
May 23 - 2005 - Orlando Magic - National Hockey League

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