I'll keep this thread open as a spot where all news and opinions about Sam Mitchell and the Raptors' coaching situation can be posted. There's been a lot of speculation about him and a lot of columnists are putting him at the center of a very demanding market for head coaches. Some say that Mitchell's decision (whether he stays or goes) could determine how the rest of the teams act. Indiana's supposedly very interested in him (they haven't interviewed anyone yet) and Charlotte, and Seattle are considered frontrunners as well. Bryan Colangelo has publicly expressed his desire to bring Sam back, but has also stated that he expects the negotiation process to be short. This has prompted speculation that he will lowball Mitchell, let him walk away to a better offer, and bring in a coach that he wants. BC's dismissed that though, and has even considered not letting other teams talk to Mitchell until the Raptors are done. Here's a good overview of the situation by Michael Grange: <div align="center">COLANGELO WANTS MITCHELL BACK, BUT COACH MAY EXPLORE OPTIONS</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Are we missing something here? Is there any good reason Sam Mitchell won't be back as head coach of the Toronto Raptors with a fat contract in his pocket and a smile on his face? The team is talented, young and coachable. The building is full most nights. The management expert and the choice of restaurants endless. And the organization wants him. When the Raptors gathered for their postseason wrap-up Saturday afternoon, hours after Toronto lost a series-deciding Game 6 to the New Jersey Nets, Raptors president Bryan Colangelo made his plans clear. "It's safe to say that we have every intention to try and get Sam back as coach," Colangelo said, adding that he would call Mitchell's agent, Lonnie Cooper, this morning. "He's the right coach for this team. That determination's been made." If you're the person poised to offer a contract that could be worth nearly $4-million (U.S.) over three or four seasons -- not bad for a coach with exactly four winning months on his r?sum? -- you can't be much more definitive than that. But Mitchell seems keen to play the field as a hot prospect in what promises to be a busy off-season job fair for National Basketball Association coaches. Indiana is thought to be interested, along with Charlotte and Seattle. If Orlando parts ways with Brian Hill, as is rumoured, Mitchell's ties with star Dwight Howard would likely bump him to the top of the Magic's list. "If those offers -- I haven't seen or heard any of them -- are there, you have to look at them," he said, describing his position at the centre of the rumour mill as "flattering." The question is what, exactly, Mitchell is expecting to hear -- and why he wants to listen. He says he harbours no ill-will for working this season without an extension, and nor should he. Colangelo kept Mitchell on when he didn't have to and is now willing to pay him based on this season's work. As for the idea that Colangelo is employing some supersecret executive doublespeak designed to praise Mitchell while subtly easing him out in favour of a preferred mystery candidate. Unlikely. Over the past 15 months, Colangelo's track record is that he says what he means while allowing himself room to wriggle when necessary. This can be a tough concept to accept around a franchise weaned on the back-channel machinations of Isiah Thomas, and that more recently swam in the equivocations of former general manger Rob Babcock. Yet it was about this time last year that Colangelo broadly hinted Andrea Bargnani would be the Raptors' preference for the No. 1 pick in the draft. A smokescreen, draftniks league-wide snickered. Around the same time, Colangelo told everyone who would listen that Mitchell would remain as the coach of the Raptors for the 2006-07 season -- that he deserved a chance to succeed or fail with a competitive roster. Skeptics rolled their eyes at that one, too. So now that he says he wants Mitchell back, Colangelo should be taken at face value. Will he give Mitchell a blank cheque? No. Will he give Mitchell a good faith offer? There's no doubt. In Colangelo's world "fair and reasonable" -- his stated budget for a Mitchell deal -- is just that. Colangelo knows there's going to be competition for Mitchell's services, so expect him to make a real offer early in the process.</div> <div align="center">Source: The Globe and Mail</div> If you find any articles or just have an opinion about the situation, feel free to post it in here.
Personally, I'm still split on Mitchell. I wasn't very impressed with him during most of the season, but towards the end he did impress me during stretches. He's built a great locker room and the players really seem to trust him (something that shouldn't be taken for granted). He's a great motivator and I saw improvement from last season, and even from the beginning of the season, when it came to managing rotations, making substitutions, and calling timeouts. However, I was constantly frustrated with his inability to make strategical adjustments during games. Our offense was far too simplistic IMO, and I think a combination of very good point guards and the League not really expecting much from us, masked that through most of the season. I had supported Mitchell for two seasons, but I was disappointed by his lack of development in that aspect. I was kind of committed to waiting until the playoffs to make my final opinion, but that just left me more confused than ever. He was truly terrible early on, and the Sam Mitchell of Games 1, 3, and 4 isn't a competent head coach, IMO. He couldn't beat a zone defense, refused to make adjustments on both the defensive and offensive end, and was unable to free up Chris Bosh. However, I was really impressed with his coaching in Games 2, 5, and 6 (Game 6 especially). In those games, he tightened his rotation, made proper subs, called timeouts at the right time, and even made adjustments that put us over the edge (ie: collapsing on VC in Game 2, trapping Jason Kidd in Game 5, putting Bargnani and Mo-Pete in the starting lineup for Game 5/6). I also think its ironic that, in the last Raptors play of the season, Mitchell called a perfect play, but the players were the ones that didn't execute. So, I'm still sitting on the fence. And, ultimately, I think I'll have to trust Colangelo's judgment (who doesn't?). I really wouldn't mind him bringing in his own coach who could make our offense more diverse, but bringing Mitchell back wouldn't be the end of the world, I guess. The one thing that I do believe though, is that if Sam is re-signed, I would still consider him to be in a one-year situation. He would have to show definite improvement with his X's & O's and improve upon this season. If not, I'd want him fired as soon as possible.
I just think that Sam is a player coach. He lets his players play and they sort it out in a way. What is also important is that Bosh wants him back to, and if your franchise player likes the coach, then u better take the coach. But I'm afraid his style will suit teams better. Like seattle can run and gun if ray allen is hot, if dwight runs, then orlando also. Charlotte to might be a goo dplace for him. I just want him on the raps, unless we bring back Larry Brown or some how get flip saunders or something i want him back. I like his style (maybe don nelson) I like him 2. I respect him from what Iv seen, and I hope he stays. If not, we all now one cal and colagelo has a new coach.
Well ... I think to me it all depends on what the cost is and what the alternatives are. If we can sign Sam Mitchell for a reasonable price then I'd be all for it. I've sort of come to the conclusion it would be better for us to stick it out with him rather than go with Iavaroni, who has no head-coach experience. If we could land Ettore Messina I’d be willing to let Mitchell walk away. Now Mitchell has done some great stuff but the following drive me crazy: -Playcalling – not going to even bother explaining this -over use of defensive help – can we possibly stop doubling guys needlessly while we give up an endless array of 3 point attempts? T -Boxing out – I understand this is the NBA and this kind of crap doesn’t always happen but when you make guys who are nothing but hustle players absolutely destroy you on the boards I think we can do better. So if we can work on these I’ll be happy. But if we show up next year and our end of game play call is an ISO for the PG, I won’t be very happy.
I would've written something legnthy like Chutney, but my mental capacity is only capable of making an iso at the top of the cir.... I mean yeah, he covered pretty much everything.
I can see what Chutney is saying, but I think even in the world of pro sports you never really have a contingincy plan that would entail flushing 3-5 million dollars down the toilet. If they bring Sam back, I think that they will take a step back. We flew under the radar this year, and that will be gone next year. It made me laugh that throughout the year, Sam would bring TJ into games at in-opertune times and it would blow up in his face, yet in game 6 when TJ was on fire, he rode the pine. Really strange. I really don't think he made the dressing room that much better, he single handedly crushed Fred Jones and Mo Pete. And alot of times during the post season, the raps looked lost on offense. And Sam was really not able to make the raps D have any teeth. I really don't care what Chris Bosh wants....he is a young player and has yet to be coached by the Nba's elite, so his opinion dosen't matter. It didn't matter when he wanted Lamarcus Aldridge, and it shouldn't matter now. We don't want to foster an atomsphere where one players opinion matters more then others, you can breed more Vince Carters that way.
Chutney covered it all. As for me, I'm gonna have to trust BC's decision here. Bringing Sam back is an okay idea, but I really believe we can do better. I mean, We got two PGs that can start on any team in the east really, so we need a coach that can utilize them better. Bosh is an allstar, but I blame Sam for Bosh's terrible showings in the playoffs. He failed to realize what NJ was doing to slow bosh down on the offensive end until game 5 and 6. I like sam, but if we can get someone better, am up for it............... Iavaroni, FORGET IT.
I think whatever direction we go we should continue to be euro-friendly. If we can continue to make this an environment where players would like to play it gives us an advantage in the FA market. If you look at the other cities who could offer international players this type of environment they are either overloaded with talent already (Chicago) or too stupid to capitalize (cough). We could be the first to do this, and if it works properly could be a huge success.
Even though I was sometimes very much frustrated with Sam Mitchell's playcalls, I think he did a decent job(after all, he's COY). I honestly think we should re-sign him. I can't believe I'm sayin this... If we bring in new coach, our strength (team chemistry) will be somewhat destrotyed and that will be taking a step back from what we achieved this year. Given that he's still learning how to coach(This was what, 3rd year?), and he didnt have same players for two consecutive years yet, I think Sam Mitchell would be the right coach especially in the easter conference. About not being able to break the zone defence, There is nobody except TJ Ford who can break the defender and penentrate. I think this is why Sam Mitchell loved TJ so much, we need Corey Maggette type player who can break the defence at will, this will prolly help Sam to attack zone defence.
<div class="quote_poster">ohmybosh Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Even though I was sometimes very much frustrated with Sam Mitchell's playcalls, I think he did a decent job(after all, he's COY). I honestly think we should re-sign him. I can't believe I'm sayin this... If we bring in new coach, our strength (team chemistry) will be somewhat destrotyed and that will be taking a step back from what we achieved this year. Given that he's still learning how to coach(This was what, 3rd year?), and he didnt have same players for two consecutive years yet, I think Sam Mitchell would be the right coach especially in the easter conference. About not being able to break the zone defence, There is nobody except TJ Ford who can break the defender and penentrate. I think this is why Sam Mitchell loved TJ so much, we need Corey Maggette type player who can break the defence at will, this will prolly help Sam to attack zone defence.</div> Well i agree to an extent but if everyone took that approach Mike Montgomery would still be coaching GS right now.
It's been ages since I've posted here but I felt the need to throw my support behind our GM wunderkind Bryan Colangelo. Sam's done a great job and should have an opportunity to re-up. Should he not choose to come back to Toronto for any reason I think Colangelo has the vision to choose a coach that fits the team rather than simply trying to fit his choice into the situation. I look forward to seeing what moves are made in the next month or so.
<div class="quote_poster">a13x Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Well i agree to an extent but if everyone took that approach Mike Montgomery would still be coaching GS right now.</div> Did GS make a playoff with Montgomery?
<div class="quote_poster">ohmybosh Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Did GS make a playoff with Montgomery?</div> How specific do you want this to be? I could mention Doc Rivers (former COY) leading the Magic into the playoffs then falling into nothing. We could go with Rick Carslile (former COY) getting replaced by Larry Brown before the Pistons won it all the next year. Terry Stots helped the Bucks get to the playoffs before being axed this year. Lenny wilkens was a "players coach" before the raptors started losing and everyone in the world said he had to go. Mitchell should be given the opportunity to come back but he needs to improve just like everyone else on the team. I'm not interested in signing him at any cost.
<div class="quote_poster">a13x Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How specific do you want this to be? I could mention Doc Rivers (former COY) leading the Magic into the playoffs then falling into nothing. We could go with Rick Carslile (former COY) getting replaced by Larry Brown before the Pistons won it all the next year. Terry Stots helped the Bucks get to the playoffs before being axed this year. Lenny wilkens was a "players coach" before the raptors started losing and everyone in the world said he had to go. Mitchell should be given the opportunity to come back but he needs to improve just like everyone else on the team. I'm not interested in signing him at any cost.</div> nice....
Just heard on Sportsnet that Sam Mitchell will get a 3 year/12 million contract extension on Tuesday.
<div class="quote_poster">Bobcats Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Just heard on Sportsnet that Sam Mitchell will get a 3 year/12 million contract extension on Tuesday.</div> Yuck!
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Sam Mitchell, the NBA's Coach of the Year, has decided to return as Raptors coach. The Raptors and Mitchell agreed Friday on the basic parameters for a multiyear deal worth around $4 million per year, according to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations. An announcement could come early next week. The story was originally reported by The Canadian Press. Mitchell, who led Toronto to a 47-35 record despite an overhauled roster, was set to become a free agent July 1. He was reported to be a top candidate for openings in Indiana, Memphis and Charlotte. Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo did not return phone calls seeking comment Friday night. Colangelo has said all along the team wanted to bring back Mitchell, who had spent the past three seasons in Toronto; but many around the league wondered if a deal would get done. Mitchell, the NBA's lowest-paid coach, was said to be seeking a hefty pay raise. Also, it's natural for a new GM such as Colangelo to want to bring in his own people at some point. Suns assistant Marc Iavaroni, for example, was considered a likely candidate if the position opened. But Colangelo, who recently won Executive of the Year honors, apparently decided Mitchell was still the best man for the job. Mitchell certainly produced results in 2006-07. Despite his lame-duck status, a new up-tempo offensive system and a roster featuring three key international imports, he overcame a 2-8 start to lead the Raptors to their first division title and first playoff berth in five years. Mitchell's agreement to stay in Toronto, meanwhile, could trigger movement in other places where coaching vacancies exist. The Pacers, Grizzlies and Bobcats all reportedly had Mitchell high on their lists. Colangelo confirmed last week that he had denied permission for one team to interview Mitchell until his contract expired. Other teams seeking coaches include the Sonics, Kings and Rockets. Houston apparently has settled on Rick Adelman to take over for the fired Jeff Van Gundy. Sacramento met Friday with former NBA star and current New Mexico State head coach Reggie Theus about replacing the fired Eric Musselman. </div> I love it. 3 years is a great length, that way Colangelo is not tied down if he wants to fire Sam Mitchell at a later point. A 4 year (dunleavy) or 5 year contract (brown) would have severely limited the clubs options regarding dismissal. If Colangelo wants to fire Mitchell after next year so be it - - The MLSE can eat 8 million dollars. It gives us a lot of flexibility. That being I think Mitchell has the ability to become a great coach with a lot of longevity eg. Jerry Sloan
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bryan Colangelo is known for making decisive moves and his latest will have Sam Mitchell back as the Raptors' coach as early as Tuesday. The Raptors president and general manager, who said he would move quickly to resolve Mitchell's contract status, made his intentions clear with a lucrative first offer that served as a jumping-off point for negotiations that have gone smoothly since the season ended. Mitchell's new deal, sources say, has a base of $12 million (all figures U.S.) and could be worth as much as $13-14 million over three seasons, making him one of the better-paid coaches in the NBA and rewarding him for one of the best seasons in franchise history. The process unfolded as many had originally expected, culminating in Mitchell returning to a team he guided to unexpected success last season.</div> Source Someone may have already put this up, but I'm not reading the whole thread but here it is.
