Magic promote Anthony Parker to GM, replacing John Hammond

The Orlando Magic promoted Anthony Parker to general manager on Wednesday, replacing longtime league manager John Hammond, who decided to move into a senior advisory role.

Parker, an assistant GM, assumes the GM role under President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman, making an impressive rise from NBA and EuroLeague player to Magic Scout, G League manager and now GM.

A sought-after manager of other teams for much of his 11-year franchise, Parker remained loyal to the Magic organization and systematically prepared to become an executive basketball manager there.

The Magic also promoted associate GM Pete D’Alessandro to executive vice president of basketball operations. D’Alessandro is a former GM with the Kings (2013-2015) and a longtime front office manager with the Warriors and Nuggets. He joined Magic in 2017 as Assistant GM.

Hammond, 68, is transitioning into an advisory role after a successful 32-year stint as assistant coach and league manager. After joining the NBA as a coaching staff with the Timberwolves and Clippers, Hammond became a key personnel leader for the Championship Pistons of the 2000s under Joe Dumars. Hammond spent nine seasons as the Bucks’ GM, winning Manager of the Year honors in 2010 and picking two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall in 2013.

“We look forward to John’s well-deserved next chapter,” Weltman said in a statement. “He is an invaluable resource and will continue to be an invaluable resource. His experience helped lay the foundation for the future of Magic, and we look forward to continuing to lean on him for everything from player rating to player development. He’s helped build a… He’s been a great friend, mentor, and confidante to the Magic family and will continue to be a great friend, mentor, and confidante.

“We are equally pleased for Anthony and Pete on their well-deserved promotions. Anthony brings a unique perspective to our group as a former player, and it’s been great to watch his progression from player to scout, G League GM and Magic vice general.” Anthony is the ultimate team player and we look forward to his continued growth leadership, experience and energy.

“Pete has been instrumental in several areas, from expertise on salary caps to coordination with the league office. He is an outstanding leader and his creativity, experience and knowledge are vital to what we do.”

Hammond joined Weltman — his former Bucks assistant GM — as Magic GM in 2017, helping to reshape a roster that is among the most talented young groups in the league. The Magic are working to build an Eastern Conference candidate around 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and forward Franz Wagner. Orlando drafted Anthony Black of Arkansas and Jett Howard of Michigan in the 2023 NBA draft lottery.

Hammond and Weltman have been preparing for the handover to 48-year-old Parker for the past several years. Parker was the Nets’ 21st pick in the 1997 draft and played nine NBA seasons at Philadelphia, Orlando, Toronto and Cleveland before ending his pro career with six successful years in the EuroLeague. He is the older brother of WNBA star Candace Parker.