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.

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.

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