Could Minnesota’s season finale against the Pelicans be Sam Mitchell’s final game as head coach of the Timberwolves?
According to a report by Marc Stein of ESPN on Wednesday, there is a “rising belief in NBA coaching circles” that Mitchell will not be retained by the team next season.
There is also a rising belief in NBA coaching circles that Wolves interim coach Sam Mitchell could be ousted once the regular season ends.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 13, 2016
Stein also notes that Wolves owner Glen Taylor has provided general manager Milt Newton with public assurances that he will keep his job into the 2016-17 season, something Taylor has not done for Mitchell.
Milt Newton has received public assurances from Wolves owner Glen Taylor that he'll keep his GM job into next season, but Mitchell has not.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 13, 2016
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical adds that Minnesota will indeed launch a head coaching search upon the conclusion of the regular season, but that Mitchell is one of the candidates who will be considered.
Sources: Minnesota embarking on head coaching search that includes Sam Mitchell as part of candidate process. List: Van Gundy, Thibs, Brooks
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) April 13, 2016
The 52-year-old Mitchell ascended to the Wolves’ head coaching position on an interim basis under unfortunate circumstances when the late Flip Saunders was forced to take a leave of absence from the team. Heading into Wednesday’s regular season finale, Minnesota has gone 28-53 under Mitchell this year.
Mitchell, who is not under contract for next season, has often drawn criticism for his lack of creativity in halfcourt sets, questionable rotation decisions, and poor late game execution. He also has struggled to get the team’s young core of talent to buy into his system.
While Mitchell has brought some positives to the table by trying to instill a culture based around effort and discipline and by helping turn Minnesota into an above-average offensive team (they rank 12th in offensive rating this season, per NBA.com), the Wolves are probably better off exploring other non-Mitchell options to be their long-term head coach.
