<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">First coach fired Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors The situation is so volatile with the Raptors fading into oblivion, coupled with Mitchell's mercurial nature, that something major could unsettle this entire season in an instant as they seek to regain the public confidence. </div> http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5033450 Micthell is really taking a battering in the press.
It's an uninformed opinion and not worth the virtual paper that it is printed on, even though "virtual paper" costs nothing Mitchell is held in high esteem at MLSE. He works through this contract and gets an extension at its conclusion or with a year to go Have fun..........
No way Mitchell becomes the first coach fired. Mitchell right now has as little pressure as maybe even Bernie Bickerstaff. No one expects the Raptors to make the playoffs, and the GM himself even stated he didn't think the team will make the playoffs. The coaches that have a lot of pressure are going to be Mike Woodson, Dwane Casey and the likes; coaching on teams that have expectations of improving from the previous season.
I also think that Mitchell has learned a lot from his previous year as coach, so he will probably be more in even-tempered. The Raptors last year weren't a easy team to coach. (Vince, Rafer, Jalen, E-Dubb)
He is in a much less pressured situation than last year. With all the major distractions gone - Vince, Rafer, and Eric saying he will behave, he should have an easier time this year. His only job this year is to have the young guys develop and play hard/be competitive every night. Besides, Babcock picked him to be the coach, so as long as he is GM, he will have his backing.
I see Mitchell and Babcock having one of the best GM/Coach relationships in the NBA. I think they totally support one another. I agree that Mitchell leaves when Babcock leaves.
