Sam Mitchell Fired

[rebe1]

To all those people at the ACC who argue with me every single time I yell fire SAM, and boo Sam... well there you go!

[BasketballAbyss]

Hmm...yeah I when I heard the news I was shocked.

I expected him to be fired but I didn't think that BC was on the same level of panace as us fans. It sort of felt bittersweet when I heard it...cause I remember how depressed Sam looked these past few weeks and despite the fact that I thought he should have been fired...I really don't like seeing people look that depressed and sad. Sam wasn't a bad guy, and he sure made post game interviews interesting. Well good luck with whatever you do Sam, but unfortunately your time was up with the team.

Now if Jay Triano really stays the whole season...I'm not exactly sure how much of an improvement he'll be. Hopefully it'll be a huge turnaround ala Pat Riley in 1982 but hey who knows what will happen.

[kingr]

I'm kinda shocked... Honestly, i've felt this wasn't all sam's fault. The roster has big flaws in it, even if we had greg pop. coaching us, we'd still a bunch of games.

Honestly, I don't want us to bring a Euro coach... I dont even want us to bring in an NCAA coach. I Want a proven nba coach.

[Hendrix]

I don't know if this is possible. No idea how to use photshop, or make signatures.

But could someone make me a sig. something with a tombstone that says "R.I.P Pick & Shat" . something along those lines, maybe Calderon, or one of the other Raptors beant over the tomstone or something.

[Los Manos]

I agree it was time, despite sticking by him through some previous rough spells. The team has regressed badly over the last 12 months in spite of the overall talent improvement (I'm with BC here).

I was just looking up Messina's current contract situation as I know he signed a new contract in the summer. Can anyone clarify whether was a 2 year contract with an option after the first year to leave? I read that is what a 1+1 contract:

http://www.ballineurope.com/european-ba ... d-the-nba/

If there is a god, Messina will be the 2009-10 Head Coach. Please BC.

[Morena R]

About time but it's not going to solve the problem just got home from school and missed the press confrence someone please youtube it thanks

[DSWC]

conference call, with BC (Raptors TV) recap:

-some of the things you want to see are just not taking place (blown leads, etc)
-hard to do, long discussions
-felt it was time to move forward
-"this team is a lot better than its 8-9 record"
-the pieces we have are all here for a reason
-not getting the maximization of the roster
-Sam handled it well, and remained a professional
-continue to build, and elevate - winning is everything, what's expected internally, and externally
-credit sam for what he has done

-Triano? good question, in all likelyhood for the rest of the season. lots of confidence, and faith in him.
-sometimes change in necessary
-will be evaluated fairly and honestly

-Jay's traits? rich history, head coach at various levels, lot of respect for his basketball acumen, be a fresh voice, well respected, grown significantly (player issues, on the floor, outside of the game, USA basketball)

-lineup changes? Coaches are hired to coach the team. Up to him, may see some new things, may see some old things, some tweaks
-assistants staying? Yes, have yet to speak with each and every one of them, but as of now, we'll be keeping the staff as is. We have a capable basketball staff. somewhat of a seamless transition. Good relationship with the rest of the staff
-something you had been thinking about? pinpoint? look back at several points over the early season, moments where we looked terrific, others where we didn't: blown lead to Boston, difficult game to swallow, last game was an absolute kick to the gut, and looking back to the NJ game. Culmination of things. Even going back to last year... expectations are high - we want to win
-You don't want to be rash, you talk to your coach, and discuss scenarios. tremendous amount of credit to Sam - accolades, and how he left. Wish him the best.

-injuries to JO, and Jose? impact? not all about Sam Mitchell failing as a coach, it's about a team that under-acheived. Not about roster, coaching, it's about everything.
-could've helped get JO in shape quicker, putting guys in a position to succeed
-injuries weren't the reason we're underachieving

-got off to a great start with 3-0, and then things started to spiral downward, this is an attempt to correct that.
-Sam- problems with tactics? Sam was "my guy" cause I re-signed him. He was my choice.
-basketball wise - not going to be Phoenix East, we'd formulate a way to play. Need some transition points scored - 29th in the league in transition points. (easy buckets, something I've often talked about).
-Sam is a very smart basketball guy, would make a great coach on another team.

-as a GM it's my responsibility to watch, give freedom, but make suggestions.
-comes down to an entire book of study. Made over the last couple of weeks, but the finality was last night.
-do you feel pressure? roster? not a basketball team without flaws, every team has them. constantly looking to improve

-Jay's got an opportunity to take a talented team futher.
-stand by Jose
-positive effort by JO, averaged 17 and 14.

-want to see them play with that swagger that they had. No more distractions.

-"I'm wearing this one, just like Sam's wearing this one". It's part of this job, and part of what we do.

-any consideration to doing this last year? Everything, is part of the course of action. after getting off to another slow start... that comes with distractions, this is a start that warranted a change.

-lots of interest in our roster

-wiggle room - there are trades that can be made, but will they make us a better basketball team?
-I want to be a bit patient, with respect to where we are.
-want to know where we are first, before making any "major" moves.

-rather than blowing this thing up, (talked about moves), our goal is getting more competitive while staying under the cap
-did sam lose the players? safe to say that Sam had a good run, but there comes a time when you feel that the best way to improve, is to make a change at the top
-we'll give this some time, give Jay a chance to do somet things.

-did they lose faith in the system? one of several things that seemed to be breaking down, errors everywhere. breakdowns all around, and I think we're a better team than that.

[Nia]

Basically the Players gave up on Sam...

[Pubert]

Oh Happy Day!!! ThE SMITCH IS GONE!!! Maybe we can run another play this season and play some D.

What about Eddie Jordan? Marc Iavaroni if he gets fired.

A lot of great options out there which are a lot better then Smitch

[kelso]

I would love to see Butch Carter back- best coach we ever had.

Triano has no leverage with this team right now. They either will want to play better because they should based on professional pride, or they will be on and off until there is clarity over who is going to coach this team long term.

I think Alex English would have been an interesting interim replacement, but I guess if you have to pick from the current staff, JT has the most seniority.

It's surprising to see a move at 8-9 but they really gave up last night big time. They looked horrible. I think this has a lot to do with the playing time as well- I think BC wants to see more Joey, less Jamario and I'm all for that. As well, Calderon needs to show more balls out there. Not to get a "I'd rather have TJ thing" going and hijack the thread, but Jose needs to get a killer instinct going on both ends of the floor.

[Koosh]

I'm going to the game on Sunday, I can't wait to see the team running under Triano. Oh I'm also curious about the type of response he's gonna get...

[yk24]

Oh and this is all the master plan
- Extend Triano's contract
- sign Nash
- sign a big name in 2010
- 2010/2011 season raps win!!!!!!!1

[UnRealGM]

31 pages and counting!

[Corinne]

Holy crap, what an evening. My car stalled at Bathurst and Steeles on my way to work, I call home to tell my parents and my brother picks up the phone, first thing he says is "Sam Mitchell got fired!" All I'm worried about is getting to work early so I can check realgm for details. I'm still in shock!

[beefman]

Bring Flip Saunder of JVG in!!!

no, don't bring in JVG. he's horrible. he's one of the worst things to ever happen to yao ming

could we see a "little general" sighting in toronto soon?

[bakafool]

Thanks a bunch DSWC.

[metaldaze]

I'm predicting the future now:

JT is coach, by default
JT leads team to second round in playoff
JT gets extension
Next year JT is to blame for mediocre team
JT is fired

BC blaming himself are you kidding don't forget he won his award the same year Sam did hmmmm.

[Luv 4 da game]

conference call, with BC (Raptors TV) recap:

-some of the things you want to see are just not taking place (blown leads, etc)
-hard to do, long discussions
-felt it was time to move forward
-"this team is a lot better than its 8-9 record"
-the pieces we have are all here for a reason
-not getting the maximization of the roster
-Sam handled it well, and remained a professional
-continue to build, and elevate - winning is everything, what's expected internally, and externally
-credit sam for what he has done

-Triano? good question, in all likelyhood for the rest of the season. lots of confidence, and faith in him.
-sometimes change in necessary
-will be evaluated fairly and honestly

-Jay's traits? rich history, head coach at various levels, lot of respect for his basketball acumen, be a fresh voice, well respected, grown significantly (player issues, on the floor, outside of the game, USA basketball)

-lineup changes? Coaches are hired to coach the team. Up to him, may see some new things, may see some old things, some tweaks
-assistants staying? Yes, have yet to speak with each and every one of them, but as of now, we'll be keeping the staff as is. We have a capable basketball staff. somewhat of a seamless transition. Good relationship with the rest of the staff
-something you had been thinking about? pinpoint? look back at several points over the early season, moments where we looked terrific, others where we didn't: blown lead to Boston, difficult game to swallow, last game was an absolute kick to the gut, and looking back to the NJ game. Culmination of things. Even going back to last year... expectations are high - we want to win
-You don't want to be rash, you talk to your coach, and discuss scenarios. tremendous amount of credit to Sam - accolades, and how he left. Wish him the best.

-injuries to JO, and Jose? impact? not all about Sam Mitchell failing as a coach, it's about a team that under-acheived. Not about roster, coaching, it's about everything.
-could've helped get JO in shape quicker, putting guys in a position to succeed
-injuries weren't the reason we're underachieving

-got off to a great start with 3-0, and then things started to spiral downward, this is an attempt to correct that.
-Sam- problems with tactics? Sam was "my guy" cause I re-signed him. He was my choice.
-basketball wise - not going to be Phoenix East, we'd formulate a way to play. Need some transition points scored - 29th in the league in transition points. (easy buckets, something I've often talked about).
-Sam is a very smart basketball guy, would make a great coach on another team.

-as a GM it's my responsibility to watch, give freedom, but make suggestions.
-comes down to an entire book of study. Made over the last couple of weeks, but the finality was last night.
-do you feel pressure? roster? not a basketball team without flaws, every team has them. constantly looking to improve

-Jay's got an opportunity to take a talented team futher.
-stand by Jose
-positive effort by JO, averaged 17 and 14.

-want to see them play with that swagger that they had. No more distractions.

-"I'm wearing this one, just like Sam's wearing this one". It's part of this job, and part of what we do.

-any consideration to doing this last year? Everything, is part of the course of action. after getting off to another slow start... that comes with distractions, this is a start that warranted a change.

-lots of interest in our roster

-wiggle room - there are trades that can be made, but will they make us a better basketball team?
-I want to be a bit patient, with respect to where we are.
-want to know where we are first, before making any "major" moves.

-rather than blowing this thing up, (talked about moves), our goal is getting more competitive while staying under the cap
-did sam lose the players? safe to say that Sam had a good run, but there comes a time when you feel that the best way to improve, is to make a change at the top
-we'll give this some time, give Jay a chance to do somet things.

-did they lose faith in the system? one of several things that seemed to be breaking down, errors everywhere. breakdowns all around, and I think we're a better team than that.

Much respect dude, thanks a lot for this.

[LethalJay]

Good Luck sam

[underdog33]

conference call, with BC (Raptors TV) recap:

-some of the things you want to see are just not taking place (blown leads, etc)
-hard to do, long discussions
-felt it was time to move forward
-"this team is a lot better than its 8-9 record"
-the pieces we have are all here for a reason
-not getting the maximization of the roster
-Sam handled it well, and remained a professional
-continue to build, and elevate - winning is everything, what's expected internally, and externally
-credit sam for what he has done

-Triano? good question, in all likelyhood for the rest of the season. lots of confidence, and faith in him.
-sometimes change in necessary
-will be evaluated fairly and honestly

-Jay's traits? rich history, head coach at various levels, lot of respect for his basketball acumen, be a fresh voice, well respected, grown significantly (player issues, on the floor, outside of the game, USA basketball)

-lineup changes? Coaches are hired to coach the team. Up to him, may see some new things, may see some old things, some tweaks
-assistants staying? Yes, have yet to speak with each and every one of them, but as of now, we'll be keeping the staff as is. We have a capable basketball staff. somewhat of a seamless transition. Good relationship with the rest of the staff
-something you had been thinking about? pinpoint? look back at several points over the early season, moments where we looked terrific, others where we didn't: blown lead to Boston, difficult game to swallow, last game was an absolute kick to the gut, and looking back to the NJ game. Culmination of things. Even going back to last year... expectations are high - we want to win
-You don't want to be rash, you talk to your coach, and discuss scenarios. tremendous amount of credit to Sam - accolades, and how he left. Wish him the best.

-injuries to JO, and Jose? impact? not all about Sam Mitchell failing as a coach, it's about a team that under-acheived. Not about roster, coaching, it's about everything.
-could've helped get JO in shape quicker, putting guys in a position to succeed
-injuries weren't the reason we're underachieving

-got off to a great start with 3-0, and then things started to spiral downward, this is an attempt to correct that.
-Sam- problems with tactics? Sam was "my guy" cause I re-signed him. He was my choice.
-basketball wise - not going to be Phoenix East, we'd formulate a way to play. Need some transition points scored - 29th in the league in transition points. (easy buckets, something I've often talked about).
-Sam is a very smart basketball guy, would make a great coach on another team.

-as a GM it's my responsibility to watch, give freedom, but make suggestions.
-comes down to an entire book of study. Made over the last couple of weeks, but the finality was last night.
-do you feel pressure? roster? not a basketball team without flaws, every team has them. constantly looking to improve

-Jay's got an opportunity to take a talented team futher.
-stand by Jose
-positive effort by JO, averaged 17 and 14.

-want to see them play with that swagger that they had. No more distractions.

-"I'm wearing this one, just like Sam's wearing this one". It's part of this job, and part of what we do.

-any consideration to doing this last year? Everything, is part of the course of action. after getting off to another slow start... that comes with distractions, this is a start that warranted a change.

-lots of interest in our roster

-wiggle room - there are trades that can be made, but will they make us a better basketball team?
-I want to be a bit patient, with respect to where we are.
-want to know where we are first, before making any "major" moves.

-rather than blowing this thing up, (talked about moves), our goal is getting more competitive while staying under the cap
-did sam lose the players? safe to say that Sam had a good run, but there comes a time when you feel that the best way to improve, is to make a change at the top
-we'll give this some time, give Jay a chance to do somet things.

-did they lose faith in the system? one of several things that seemed to be breaking down, errors everywhere. breakdowns all around, and I think we're a better team than that.

Fantastic work!