TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors fired general manager Rob Babcock on Thursday -- just a year and a half after he was hired.
Team president and CEO Richard Peddie made the announcement a day after Toronto was routed 104-88 by the Chicago Bulls, leaving the Raptors with a 14-29 record -- fourth-worst in the league. Wayne Embry, Peddie's senior basketball advisor, will take over for Babcock on an interim basis.
"We recognize Rob's efforts to clear cap space and bring in young talent, but it's time to bring in someone with proven experience as an NBA general manager to take us to the next level," Peddie said in a statement. "In fairness to Rob, once we knew a change was necessary, we didn't think it was right to have him continue."
Babcock made many questionable moves during his brief tenure, including receiving little in return when he traded All-Star Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets last season. His first round draft pick in the 2004 draft -- center Rafael Araujo -- has been a bust.
"I'm disappointed that Rob was the wrong choice for us," Peddie said. "In hindsight, we should have gone with someone more proven."
Attendance at the Air Canada Centre has also plummeted as fans have become fed up with the Raptors' play.