After nine weeks of sorting through candidates and hunting for the right fit, the Toronto Raptors have picked Rob Babcock to be their new general manager.

Rob Babcock was the vice-president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  He will replace Glen Grunwald.

Babcock was one of Toronto's original candidates and is expected to be introduced as early as Monday.

The Raptors? brass reportedly met with Julius Erving for nearly three hours on Thursday night in Toronto but then made the call to pick Babcock.

The Raptors had interviewed five candidates for the post.  Both Babcock and the Nuggets? Jeff Weltman were brought back for a second session with Toronto?s ownership.

Then the process slowed down and the Raptors began to take criticism for their lack of focus and speed in the search.

Babcock has close ties with Jack McCloskey, the man who has been serving as the Raptors? interim GM.

"He's got plenty of hands-on experience," said one person with knowledge of Babcock's work history. "He's a good guy, too."

There is concern among Raptor ownership about Vince Carter?s reaction to the decision.  Carter was close with Erving and had expressed a preference for Dr. J to get the job.

Along with Carter?s reaction, Babcock will have his hands full and his schedule packed.  The Draft is right around the corner on June 24, and he will need to decide who will be the head coach of his new team.