Magic GM Otis Smith Gets Extension

Orlando, FL - Orlando Magic President Bob Vander Weide announced today that General Manager Otis Smith has signed a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

“Otis has brought great energy, dedication, leadership and vision to our basketball operations,” said Vander Weide. “He has us moving in a very positive direction and toward our ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship.”

Smith was promoted to general manager on May 3, 2006. Under Smith’s leadership this past season, the Magic posted a 52-30 (.634) record and captured the 2007-08 Southeast Division championship. It was the team’s third division title and the first since 1995-96. It also marked the fourth time in team history that it reached the 50-win plateau. Orlando defeated Toronto in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs and advanced in the postseason for the first time since 1996. This past off-season, Smith was instrumental in acquiring All-Star forward Rashard Lewis, signing All-NBA center Dwight Howard to a contract extension, and acquiring Head Coach Stan Van Gundy.

Prior to re-joining the Magic in 2004-05, Smith served as executive director of basketball operations for the Golden State Warriors. In that role, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the basketball operations department and worked in conjunction with the players and basketball staff. During the previous two-plus seasons, Smith was director of community relations/Warriors Foundation.

Smith was no stranger to “The City Beautiful.” He was a member of the inaugural 1989-90 Magic squad and spent three seasons playing in Orlando (1989-92). Smith averaged 11.4 ppg., 4.1 rpg., 1.9 apg. and 1.01 stlpg. in 195 games with the Magic. He played in 375 career NBA regular season games with Denver, Golden State and Orlando, averaging 10.5 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 1.8 apg. and 1.01 stlpg. in 20.6 minpg. Folllowing his retirement as a player, Smith served as community relations manager for the Magic for two years.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and a 1986 graduate of Jacksonville University, he founded the Otis Smith Kids Foundation on October 30, 1989 as a means to improve the quality of life and outlook for the future of deserving Northeast Florida elementary school children. The Foundation provided programs and services to hundreds of disadvantaged children each year in the areas of education, life skills development and personal growth. For nearly 17 years, the not-for-profit organization touched the lives of thousands of Jacksonville-area children, providing opportunities for children to learn, grow and achieve.

Vander Weide also announced that the team has signed Assistant General Manager Dave Twardzik to a contract extension.