Otis Smith

From NBA player to executive, Otis Smith's career spans playing, coaching, and front-office leadership.

Otis Fitzgerald Smith (born January 30, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player who played six seasons in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Jacksonville Dolphins.

Quick Facts

Born: 30 January 1964
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
High school: Nathan Bedford Forrest (Jacksonville, Florida)
College: Jacksonville (1982–1986)
Draft round: 2
Draft pick: 41
Drafted by: Denver Nuggets
Coach start: 2014

Lore & Background

Smith was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and was a star athlete at Forrest High School, graduating in 1982. He played at Jacksonville University from 1982 to 1986, earning a degree in marketing and management. He is the only player in school history with more than 1,700 points and 900 rebounds. He was named Sun Belt Conference tournament MVP in 1986, and his jersey was retired in 2002. He was selected 17th in the second round of the 1986 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. He played for the Nuggets and Golden State Warriors before being selected by the Orlando Magic in the 1989 expansion draft. He played for the Magic from 1989–1992, retiring due to a knee injury after his sixth season. He later played in Sweden for the Solna Vikings in 1996–1997, winning MVP. After playing, he held various roles including Director of Community Relations for the Magic, Vice President at Boys & Girls Club, executive director of Community Relations for the Golden State Warriors Foundation, executive director of basketball operations for Golden State, director of player development for the Magic, Co-General Manager, and General Manager/President of the Magic. He stepped down on May 21, 2012. He later became head coach of the Grand Rapids Drive for two years, then assistant coach/head of player development for the Detroit Pistons. He worked as a consultant for the Houston Rockets from 2020–2023 and is now a management consultant for an undisclosed NBA team from 2023–2025.

Reader's Guide

Otis Smith is a former NBA player and executive. Key facts: born January 30, 1964; played for Denver, Golden State, Orlando; career averages 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists; retired after 1991–92 season; played in Sweden 1996–97; served as Magic GM and president until 2012; later coached in G-League and worked with Pistons and Rockets.

Did You Know?

Smith participated in the 1988 and 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contests, finishing 4th and 7th respectively.
He was named MVP of the Swedish League in 1997.
He received the FBI Directors Award for community service in 1993.
He was an official torch bearer for the 1996 Summer Olympics.