The Orlando Magic finally have a new general manager, the first step in what will be a massive offseason makeover in Orlando. Magic CEO Alex Martins introduced Rob Hennigan as the team's new GM at a press conference on Thursday, saying all of the things that CEOs say when they make big hires.
"Rob is an astute strategist and evaluator of talent who comes to the Magic family from two championship-level organizations. We feel he is an outstanding fit and the right choice to lead our basketball operations team in achieving our championship goals."
Those two championship-level organizations that Martins refers to are the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. At the latter organization, he served as the assistant general manager and was instrumental in constructing the current Western Conference champions. With this hiring, he becomes the youngest general manager in the league at 30-years-old.
During the press conference, Hennigan and Martins were predictably asked about Dwight Howard, who has one year remaining on his contract. He's had a change of heart quite a few times about whether or not he plans on staying in Orlando, and both Hennigan and Martins seem open to multiple options.
Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan will meet with Dwight Howard soon. He'll share his vision for the franchise and listen to input from Howard.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 21, 2012
Alex Martins: "We would love to have Dwight long-term. The decision is up to Dwight. Dwight has to decide if he wants to be here or not."
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 21, 2012
Even before Howard is traded or extended, Hennigan and Martins are likely to target a new head coach to replace the recently fired Stan Van Gundy. Exactly who that coach is probably has a lot to do with whether Howard is sticking around or departing for a new team.
For more on the Hennigan hire and Howard drama, head over to Orlando Pinstriped Post.