Ex-LeBron James Cavs teammate gets big NBA front office promotion

Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to being called for a foul against the Utah Jazz in the last minute of the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

13 years after starting alongside LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, one former player now finds himself leading a different East Coast team.

The Orlando Magic announced on Wednesday that retired ex-NBA swingman Anthony Parker has been promoted to their general manager. Parker, 48, had been Orlando’s assistant GM for the last two seasons and served as GM of the Magic’s G League affiliate for the four seasons prior.

Orlando is also promoting Pete D’Alessandro to executive vice president as president of basketball operations John Hammond transitions into a senior advisor role (a big restructuring of basketball operations for the team).

Older NBA fans may recall Parker’s stint with James in Cleveland during the 2009-10 season. The two players started together on the wing as the Cavs won 61 games (but lost in the second round to the Boston Celtics).

A 40.4 percent career three-point shooter, Parker also played for the Magic (in 1999-2000) and for Philadelphia and Toronto in his nine NBA seasons.

As for James, he is obviously pretty well connected around the league. Parker is now the third former James teammate who is a current NBA general manager (along with this guy and this guy).