Former Orlando GM Otis Smith to coach Detroit D-League club?
By Phil Watson
It’s been rumored for weeks that Stan Van Gundy might be interested in bringing his former boss with the Orlando Magic, Otis Smith, with him to the Detroit Pistons.
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Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported that Smith is close to a deal to coach the Pistons’ new D-League affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Pistons are one of several NBA clubs opting for a single-team affiliation arrangement with a D-League franchise. The Grand Rapids Drive are owned by Steve Jbara, but the Pistons will be responsible for personnel and basketball operations aspects of the team.
The D-League franchise moved to Grand Rapids after five years as the Springfield Armor and three seasons as the Anaheim Arsenal.
Smith has no coaching experience, moving straight into the Orlando front office after ending his playing career in 1996 in Sweden.
He was director of community relations for the Magic until 1998 and later worked in the front office for the Golden State Warriors. He returned to the Magic as director of player development and was named general manager in May 2006.
He agreed to resign in May 2012, the same day that Van Gundy was fired as Orlando’s coach.
In six NBA seasons as a swingman with the Denver Nuggets, Warriors and Magic, Smith averaged 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 rebounds and one steal in 20.6 minutes per game, shooting .455/.251/.762 from 1986-92.
Smith was a member of the inaugural Orlando Magic squad in 1989-90 after being taken from Golden State in the expansion draft.