Sam Mitchell

Sam Mitchell is a retired NBA player and former head coach of the Toronto Raptors. Mitchell was fired by the Raptors after an 8-9 start to the 2008-2009 season.ESPN.com: Struggling Raptors fire Mitchell just 17 games into season (December 3, 2008)

Sam Mitchell was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1985. However, he did not begin playing in the NBA until 1989 after joining the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves. After playing three seasons in Minnesota, Mitchell was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1992. Mitchell played for the Pacers for three years and then returned to the Timberwolves in 1995. He played with the Timberwolves until 2002 when he retired as a player. Mitchell is number two on the Timberwolve's all-time scoring and rebounding list.NBA.com: Sam Mitchell

After his retirement, Mitchell became an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats before being hired as head coach of the Toronto Raptors in 2004. Mitchell led the team to their first playoff appearance in 2007 and also won Coach of the Year honors.NBA.com: Sam Mitchell

After getting off to a slow start in 2008, Mitchell was fired as the Raptor's head coach.

• Points: 8,636
• Rebounds: 3,711
• Assists: 1,089