http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/sports/basketball/21knicks.html?_r=1&ref=basketball&oref=slogin By HOWARD BECK John Gabriel, a former N.B.A. executive of the year with the Orlando Magic, has joined the Knicks’ revamped front office and will assume a major role in rebuilding the roster after seven straight losing seasons. Donnie Walsh, the team president, appointed Gabriel as the director of pro scouting and free agency, a newly created position. Gabriel’s primary duty will be evaluating current N.B.A. players, with an eye toward future trades and free-agent signings. Gabriel is well versed in the art of rebuilding. He was the Magic’s general manager from 1996 to 2004, a period in which the franchise lost Shaquille O’ Neal to free agency and traded Penny Hardaway, but restocked by obtaining Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady. Gabriel was named executive of the year in 1999-2000 after orchestrating 37 transactions that netted nine first-round draft picks and created the salary-cap space to sign Hill and McGrady. After being fired in March 2004, Gabriel joined the front office of the Portland Trail Blazers, who have undergone a transformation that the Knicks surely hope to emulate. Once saddled with a bloated payroll and a roster of bad actors, the Blazers are now one of the most promising young teams in the league. Also joining the Knicks’ front office is Misho Ostarcevic, who be the director of player personnel. Ostarcevic was Walsh’s international scout with the Pacers. Gabriel and Ostarcevic were hired earlier this month, although the team did not announce the moves. Walsh was not available for comment Wednesday. Gabriel, reached by phone at his home in Winter Park, Fla., called the opportunity to work for Walsh and the Knicks an honor. Walsh has probably completed his executive staff. Glen Grunwald, the senior vice president for basketball operations, is the lone holdover from Isiah Thomas’s administration. Brendan Suhr, who was Thomas’s director of player personnel, was dismissed last month. --

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