The Raptors now must do something they have never had to do in 10 years of existence: find a general manager from outside the organization.

With the team stumbling to the finish of another disappointing season under a rookie head coach who likely won't survive until his second year and with glaring holes in the roster, management has not renewed the contract of general manager Glen Grunwald. The move ended a six-year reign that included some of the franchise's highest highs and lowest lows.

Jack McCloskey, a 78-year-old team consultant with a long record of NBA service, including a term as the Championship winning general manager of the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, takes over on what could be a very short interim basis. McCloskey is hoping that the Raptors will have some stability prior to the draft.

"Certainly before the draft," he said of his timetable for a new man. "Richard Peddie may decide he wants it later, but I will try to persuade him ... and there's no reason why it can't be."

Peddie, the chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, hasn't ruled out calling on Grunwald's help for the draft should he have no one in place in time.

"We want the right candidate and we'll take the time necessary to get that," said Peddie. "In a perfect world, I'd like to have that individual on board before (the June draft) but our first priority is getting the right person and with Jack's help and (director of player personnel) Jim Kelly's help and Glen's help, we can get through the draft if that's what we need to do."

"We didn't make the strides that we thought," said Peddie. "We plateaued, for sure. There are some good signs. Chris Bosh is a good sign. I think picking up Jalen Rose and Donyell (Marshall) are good signs."

But, Peddie continued, "we're standing here at 30 wins ... we thought it was time for someone else to come up with a master plan."

A rift appeared to be growing between Grunwald and rookie coach Kevin O'Neill, who's job security is to be decided by the new GM, but Peddie denied this was the reason for the move.

"It grew into a difficult situation, there's no point in denying that," said Grunwald. "We had our disagreements."