Orlando Magic Extend Contracts of Coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith through 2013, Promote Smith to President of Basketball Operations The Orlando Magic aren't finished shaking things up after last season. Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic have extended the contracts of head coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith, who will also receive the title President of Basketball Operations, through the 2012/13 NBA season. Schmitz has more on Van Gundy and Smith's history with the team: Van Gundy received some criticism, particularly from ESPN's analyst Michael Wilbon. Wilbon reported that he had heard "rumblings" that Van Gundy would be fired if the Magic did not reach the NBA Finals, drawing a harsh response from the coach. Smith, an original member of the Magic's expansion team as a small forward, took over as full-time general manager in 2006. He and Dave Twardzik had shared the GM post the previous season. Under Smith's watch, the Magic have become one of the NBA's elite teams. He is largely credited, along with Van Gundy, for changing the culture of the franchise and holding players accountable. Additionally, the team promoted Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins to team president. His contract also runs through 2012/13. The Magic have called a press conference for tomorrow morning to make the announcement official. It's hard to argue against any of these moves. Smith and Van Gundy, with the help of franchise center Dwight Howard, have lifted the team from mediocrity to the elite on the court. Behind the scenes, Martins has helped the Magic secure their new arena, the Amway Center, which will open this season. The Magic and their fans have to feel good about the direction in which the team is headed. Stability in the front office, competent coaching, a deep roster and an ownership group willing to pay for a winning team? Few franchises can boast checkmarks next to all four of those attributes. --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 118.160.68.155