Orlando Magic Hire Rob Hennigan as General Manager

The Orlando Magic have hired Rob Hennigan, the Oklahoma City Thunder's Assistant General Manager in charge of Player Personnel, as their new GM, the Magic announced Wednesday. He replaces Otis Smith, the team's former President of Basketball Operations, who mutually agreed to part ways with the Magic on May 21st.

Hennigan, 30, joined the Thunder in 2008 and earned a promotion to his current position in 2010. According to the team's media guide, "Hennigan’s responsibilities include overseeing the team’s professional, college, and international scouting departments, as well as assisting GM Sam Presti with all player personnel matters and day-to-day management of basketball operations." Prior to his work with the Thunder, Hennigan worked in the San Antonio Spurs' front office, where he rose from an internship position to become San Antonio's Director of Basketball Operations.

Orlando selected Hennigan over fellow finalists Dennis Lindsey of the Spurs and former New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower. Magic CEO Alex Martins also interviewed Indiana Pacers executive Kevin Pritchard and Thunder assistant GM Troy Weaver for the position, but neither of those two earned an interview with team ownership.

Hennigan's task in Orlando is a complicated one, as he must rebuild a cash- and asset-strapped team that's fallen out of championship contention after an NBA Finals appearance in 2009 and Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2010.

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