Raptors Coach Sam Mitchell Takes Leave
TORONTO – Raptors coach Sam Mitchell is taking a leave of absence so that he can fly home to Atlanta following the death of his father-in-law.
A team spokesman said Monday that Mitchell will not rejoin the Raptors until after the All-Star break. Toronto’s first game after the break is at home against Orlando on Feb. 20.
Assistant coach Mike Evans was to take charge of the team for Monday’s game against San Antonio, because the Spurs are one of the teams he scouts. Fellow assistant Jay Triano will serve as head coach for Wednesday’s game against New Jersey.
Mitchell won the NBA’s coach of the year award last season, leading Toronto to a 47-35 record and the team’s first Atlantic Division title. Toronto was 27-22 heading into Monday night’s game.
