Orlando Magic Re-Sign Ishmael Smith


Free agent point guard Ish Smith has agreed to a contract with the Orlando Magic, assuring he will return to Orlando next season. Smith, who went undrafted in the 2010 Draft, has already played for Houston, Memphis, Golden State and Orlando during his brief NBA career, and is hoping to find some stability with the Magic. Via NBA.com: “Just as Smith was set to begin a stint in the NBA’s Developmental League last February, the Magic signed him to fill in as Nelson was injured and Duhon was struggling at point guard. Smith was usually one of the first Magic players to arrive at the arena last season before games, working out vigorously for more than an hour with former Magic assistant coach Brendan Malone. He continued those drills this summer with Magic player development coach Mark Price in an attempt to better his jump shot and accuracy on floaters in the lane. ‘I’ve been in the gym a lot working out and working hard,’ he said. ‘I’ve worked this summer with one of the best shooters to ever play in the NBA in Coach Price, and I’ve seen a lot of improvement. So I’ve been blessed.’ In 20 appearances with the Magic last season, Smith averaged 2.3 points, 1.6 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 8.6 minutes per game.”