The Orlando Magic have reportedly handed
general manager Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy contract extensions.
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting the Magic picked up the options on their
existing pacts, with Van Gundy retained through next season and Smith through
the 2011-12 campaign.
Smith was promoted to general manager in May of 2006 and brought in Van Gundy
as coach the following year after a week-long debacle where the team hired
Florida coach Billy Donovan and then allowed him to back out of the deal after
he had second thoughts.
In his short tenure as GM, Smith has already secured the services of center
Dwight Howard with a five-year contact extension and acquired All-Star forward
Rashard Lewis. Smith received a two-year extension following the 2007-08
season after Orlando won the Southeast Division and captured its first playoff
series win since 1996.
Van Gundy has compiled a 111-53 record in two seasons guiding the Magic. He
led Orlando to a 59-23 mark and a trip to the NBA Finals last season for the
first time since 1995 before bowing out to the Lakers in five games.
Van Gundy replaced Brian Hill, who was fired after two consecutive losing
seasons.
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