Bill Fitch wasn’t trying to list candidates for the Wolves’ head coaching job but during an interview with Sports Headliners he mentioned Sam Mitchell, the former Toronto coach who also was a player here. Fitch’s admiration for Mitchell was obvious.
Fitch, who coached the Gophers from 1968-1970, is now retired but he coached in the NBA for almost three decades and won an NBA title with Boston in 1981. He still follows the league with interest from homes in Texas and New Mexico.
“I like Sam Mitchell a lot,” Fitch said. “I am not pushing names but the first name that came to mind was Sam.”
Mitchell, 45, coached the Raptors for four-plus seasons, with a 156-189 record. He was NBA Coach of the Year in 2007 after his team won the Atlantic Division.
What’s appealing to Fitch about Mitchell? “I like his demeanor,” Fitch answered. “He’s a patient coach. I think he’s been grounded in the fundamentals of coaching by a lot of people. He brings a lot of class. He’s one I think that would bring a strong team element.
“I really thought he did a heck of a job at Toronto. I hated to see him put out to pasture because the good Lord could come down and coach that ball club the last year there and not be happy with it.”