It is believed that Otis Smith was trying to bring Gilbert Arenas to the Magic for quite some time before he finally did so this past weekend.

Smith and Arenas have a history together. The executive was part of Golden State's front office when they drafted Arenas back in 2001.

"I've been a friend, a mentor," Smith said. "We've been through a little bit of everything together. I kind of watched him through his early years when he wasn't playing and his big years, through all the silly things he's done over the years, the trouble he's had off court with the gun stuff."

Jason Richardson, who came to Orlando via a second trade with Phoenix, was with both Smith and Arenas in Golden State as well.

Richardson said the two quickly built a "father-son relationship" that has endured over the years.

"Otis and Gilbert had a special bond," Richardson said. "They were always close to each other. They would always talk."

Arenas said that Smith was the only person that has believed in him all along.

"[Smith] staying in my ear really helped me get through last year," Arenas said. "The one person who actually believed in me the whole time. I'm grateful that he came and got me."