The Orlando Magic seem to be preparing to fire General Manager Otis Smith in the coming days.
Smith who became Co-General Manager for the 2005-2006 NBA season was later named sole GM on May 3, 2006.
Orlando has had in many ways the most difficult season in franchise history.
Current head coach Stan Van Gundy and star center Dwight Howard haven’t seen eye to eye this season, leading the boisterous coach’s claim that the three time defensive player of the year called for his job.
The Magic have spent most of their season trying to explain the soap opera-like atmosphere.
Smith has been bashed and in many minds is to blame for the Magic’s collapse.
Orlando was (52-30) in 2007-2008, 2010-2011 and posted an impressive (59-23) record in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The team reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Lakers in five games.
With many head scratching moves from Smith it’s no wonder Orlando fans have become impatient. Signing Rashard Lewis to a $119 Million dollar contract, letting Hedu Turkoglu go along with Courtney Lee following the finals lost and taking on the massive contract to sign Gilbert Arenas.
The Magic posted a .561% winning percentage during this short season and after losing Howard to back surgery fell from the 3 seed to the 6th seed in a matter of two weeks.
After stumbling into the playoffs the Magic were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in five games.
Sources say Adonal Foyle, current Director of Player development and former Magic player will be taking Smith’s place as General Manager.
I’m not sure what direction the Magic will go in, but change is needed.
