Shaq as a GM?

I saw this mentioned on the NBA thread, but thought it merits its own. The Magic seem to think hiring Shaquille O'Neal as their general manager would help them retain Dwight Howard. Would this be a figurehead deal, or would Shaq actually have GM power?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7962438/sources-shaquille-oneal-discuss-gm-opening-orlando-magic

Also interesting that Jerry Sloan's name is surfacing to replace Van Gundy.

 

Figurehead, according to the story I read. They'd also bring in someone who actually knew what they were doing.

 

Which Hall of Fame players in any sport have gone on to be outstanding executives?

Jerry West
Larry Bird
Verdict still out on John Elway
Ozzie Newsome

Much like coaches, it seems the best GM's are the guys who were role players, like Ruben Amaro or John Paxson.

 

If you think about it, it actually does make a certain amount of sense. If the Magic are trading Howard, and they've already fired the lame duck GM, they need someone larger than life that can survive the hit for being the guy that traded Dwight Howard.

 

They need Shaq to come in and teach Howard how to leave Orlando and go to the Lakers when he becomes a free agent.

Seriously, if there is a move they can make that can help convince Howard to stay with the Magic long term, they should do it.

 

Brett Favre did a pretty good job running the Packers.

 

Most superstars have no drive to work hard after they retire, and I think some of them have no concept of how much work is involved to be a real GM or team president or have any kind of front office job.

How long did Marino last with that front office job with the Dolphins?

 

I doubt the Magic bring in Sloan. Not if they want to try to sign Deron Williams anyway.

 

I must be good, because Michael Jordan picked me!

 

More and more, the best GMs are guys with MBAs who never even played the game at a high level.

 

Shaq just received his doctorate, so he needs something else to do now.