Sam E. Mitchell, Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player and a former head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is currently an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets.

Career history
As player:

Minnesota Timberwolves (1989–1992, 1995–2002)
Indiana Pacers (1992–1995)

As coach:

Toronto Raptors (2004–2008)


Sam Mitchell, the 2006-07 NBA Coach of the Year, brings four-plus seasons of head coaching experience to the Nets and enters his first season as the lead assistant on Avery Johnson’s staff. Mitchell led the Toronto Raptors to two playoff appearances as head coach, including the 2006-07 campaign in which he guided the team to a 47- 35 record, a 20 game improvement from the previous season.

Prior to his time in Toronto, Mitchell served as an assistant coach on George Karl’s staff in Milwaukee for two seasons (2002-2004). The 13-year NBA veteran split his playing career between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers. He appeared in 994 regular season games and 59 postseason contests, missing just 40 games to injury or illness throughout his career and posting averages of 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

PERSONAL:

Mitchell lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and four daughters.