Donnie Walsh has hired former Magic GM John Gabriel, who was serving as a scout for the Blazers, as director of scouting.

Gabriel is familiar with dismantling the Magic in the late 1990s and his efforts with the Blazers can only help his cause. His efforts earned him the 1999 NBA Executive of the Year Award. Gabriel also plucked Doc Rivers from behind the microphone to coach and he ended up winning the Coach of the Year honors in 2000.

Gabriel traded Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins to the Pistons in exchange for Grant Hill in a sign-and-trade, he also allowed Chauncey Billups to sign elsewhere, and brought in another high priced free agent in Tracy McGrady. As it turned out these moves were instrumental in the Pistons rise to the NBA elite, while the Magic struggled with both lofty expectations and an oft-injured Hill.

During a 19-game losing streak in 2003-04, Gabriel was fired.

Here’s Gabriel’s draft history with the Magic

1999- 1st round- No pick
2nd Round- Laron Profit (G-Maryland)

2000- 1st Round-Mike Miller (G/F- Florida)
2nd Round- No pick

2001- 1st Round-Steven Hunter- (C- Depaul)
2nd Round- Omar Cook (PG- St. John’s)- traded to Denver for a future #1 pick (Steven Hunter).

2002- 1st Round- Traded rights to Curtis Borchardt (C- Stanford) to Utah for Ryan Humphries/2nd rounder.

2003- 1st Round-Reece Gaines- (G- Louisville)
2nd Round- No pick

Obviously it’s a wise move for Walsh to bring in someone who has the experience of rebuilding in a short period of time, as he hopes to do the same. People are telling me that this year will be one of few moves, as Walsh evaluates what he currently has. I’m not sold on that, if the right deal comes along Walsh will make it in a second. Not really in love with Gabriel’s draft history, but it’s tough to judge someone on just that. Insiders have considered Gabriel a solid basketball mind, something you can’t have too many of.