ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Orlando Magic demoted general manager John Gabriel on Friday, and replaced him with chief operating officer John Weisbrod.

The announcement, posted on the team's Web site, came three days after the Magic revealed that oft-injured forward Grant Hill will miss the rest of the season. Gabriel orchestrated the trade for Hill in 2000 and signed the five-time All-Star to a seven-year, $93 million contract.

Hill has played just 47 games for Orlando, making three failed comebacks from a stress fracture in his left foot. He has had four operations on the ankle.

Hill's contract has financially strapped the Magic for years, hurting their ability to surround All-Star Tracy McGrady with impact players. Gabriel has been largely blamed for it.

Weisbrod is the former vice president and general manager of the International Hockey League's Orlando Solar Bears, who won two conference championships during his four year watch.

``The one constant in John Weisbrod's background is winning,'' Magic president Bob Vander Weide said in a statement on the Web site. ``His grasp of team dynamics and his experience in building winning organizations make him a great fit for this role.''

The Magic started 1-10 this season, prompting Gabriel to fire coach Doc Rivers in November and replace him with Johnny Davis. Orlando then lost another nine straight games en route to the worst start in franchise history.

Orlando is 19-48 heading into Saturday night's game against Seattle. The Magic are guaranteed their first losing season in 12 years.

Gabriel, the team's GM since 1996, will serve as a team adviser and regional scout.

Gabriel, who will serve as a team adviser and regional scout, has been with the Magic since their inception in 1989, serving as a vice president of basketball operations, director of player personnel, director of scouting and assistant coach before becoming general manager in 1996.

He was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2000 after the Magic finished 41-41.

Gabriel signed Hill and McGrady the following year, hoping to push the Magic to the forefront of the Eastern Conference. But Orlando hasn't gotten past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons.