Sam Mitchell's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Houston Rockets in the third round of the 1985 NBA Draft. However, he did not immediately join the NBA, opting instead to play overseas and in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). His early career included a stint with the Wisconsin Flyers in the CBA, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
Mitchell's NBA career officially took off when he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989. As a forward, he quickly became known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court. Over the years, he became a staple in the Timberwolves' lineup, providing consistent performance and veteran presence. His ability to mentor younger players was particularly noted during his time with the team.
In 1992, Mitchell briefly left the Timberwolves to play for the Indiana Pacers. His tenure with the Pacers was short-lived, and he returned to Minnesota in 1995. Back with the Timberwolves, he continued to be a reliable player, contributing both offensively and defensively. His role in supporting the development of young stars like Kevin Garnett was crucial during this period.
Mitchell's playing career with the Timberwolves spanned over a decade, during which he played in more than 800 games. His contributions to the team were recognized when he retired as one of the franchise's all-time leaders in several statistical categories. After retiring as a player in 2002, Mitchell transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive on-court experience to the sidelines.
His coaching career began as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he served from 2002 to 2004. He then took on the role of head coach for the Toronto Raptors in 2004. Under his leadership, the Raptors saw significant improvement, culminating in Mitchell being named the NBA Coach of the Year in 2007. His tenure with the Raptors lasted until 2008, during which he helped guide the team to multiple playoff appearances.
Following his time with the Raptors, Mitchell continued his coaching career with various teams. He served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets and later returned to the Timberwolves as an assistant coach. In 2015, he was named the interim head coach of the Timberwolves following the untimely passing of head coach Flip Saunders. Mitchell led the team through the 2015-2016 season, focusing on the development of young talents like Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.
Throughout his career, both as a player and a coach, Sam Mitchell was known for his leadership and ability to connect with players.
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