Magic move Parker to GM, replacing Hammond

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

Parker, an assistant GM, moves into the GM role under president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and completes a formidable climb from being an NBA and EuroLeague player to Magic scout, G League executive and now GM.

Parker has been a sought-after executive by other teams for much of his 11-year franchise tenure, but has remained with the Magic organization and methodically prepared to become a senior basketball executive 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 executive with the Warriors and Nuggets. He joined the Magic as an assistant GM in 2017.

Hammond, 68, is transitioning into the advisory role after an accomplished 32-year run as an assistant coach and league executive. After entering the NBA on coaching staffs with the Timberwolves and Clippers, Hammond evolved into a key personnel executive for the championship Pistons of the 2000s under Joe Dumars. Hammond spent nine seasons as Bucks GM, winning executive of the year in 2010 and drafting two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in 2013.

“We are excited for John’s well-deserved next chapter,” Weltman said in a statement. “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.

“We are equally excited for Anthony and Pete in their well-deserved promotions. 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.

“Pete has been instrumental in multiple areas, ranging from salary cap expertise to coordination with the league office. He is an outstanding leader and his creativity, experience and knowledge are instrumental to what we’re doing.”

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

Hammond and Weltman have been preparing to make the handoff to Parker, 48, in recent years. Parker was the 21st overall pick to the Nets in the 1997 draft and played nine NBA seasons with Philadelphia, Orlando, Toronto and Cleveland before finishing his pro career with six accomplished years in the EuroLeague. He’s the older brother of WNBA star Candace Parker.