Former Timberwolves executive, Raptors GM Rob Babcock dies at 66
Former Toronto Raptors general manager and Minnesota Timberwolves executive Rob Babcock has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Timberwolves confirmed the news on Wednesday. He was 66 years old.
Babcock was an executive with the Timberwolves during two stints from 1992-2004 and from 2006-16.
Babcock’s time in Toronto
In between, he spent time as the general manager of the Toronto Raptors, where he is best known for trading franchise cornerstone Vince Carter during the 2004 season for a package that included Alonzo Mourning, who never reported to the team. The Raptors eventually bought Mourning out, allowing him to join the Miami Heat.
He was fired in Toronto after a pair of drafts failed to pan out and returned to the Timberwolves, where he became vice president of basketball operations.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor released a statement on Babcock’s death on Wednesday:
“I am extremely saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. I got to know Rob well during his time with the Wolves and considered him a great friend. For 22 years he played an important role in the day-to-day operations of our basketball front office and was instrumental in shaping our roster during our eight-year playoff run from 1997 through 2004. On behalf of the Timberwolves and Lynx, we want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Laura, sons Chris and Nate, and the entire Babcock family.”
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