By Andrew Dubowec

Will they sign him? Will he walk? Is Bryan really impressed?

These are questions floating around MLSE, the Toronto media, and Raptors discussion boards across the internet. Many have stated they “agree” with Colangelo’s position that Mitchell should only be provided a “realistic and reasonable” offer and that they would not mind if Mitchell left.

These people are missing two key points. First, Mitchell is the right coach for the Raptors. Second, Colangelo will bring him back. Let’s stop trying to read between the lines and think this through logically.

The Raptors style and Colangelo’s style, is to move the ball and get the best shot possible. It’s transition basketball not half-court. It does not matter who shoots the ball. According to Sam Mitchell, “75% of the time, plays are not run for specific players”. Rather it is ball movement leading to an open shot. This is exactly how Mitchell coaches and this is how the Raptors have been designed.

Notice how a premium has been placed on athletic players who can shoot with a high basketball IQ like Bosh, Bargnani, Parker and Garbajosa. Think about what we saw in the playoffs with Bargnani starting at the 5. The floor was spread, there were mismatch nightmares, space was created, and the ball moved fluidly.
                                                  
    

This is not only the way of the Raptors, but the way of the NBA. The recent prominence of athletic swing- and big-men reveals this trend like Bargnani, Amare, Marion, and Kevin Durant. Coaches who are “tacticians” and “strategists” are becoming less prominent. The days of the Kevin O’Neill’s, Lawrence Frank’s, and Rick Carlisle’s may be coming to a close.

The second factor is that Mitchell has a critical asset in his pocket: RESPECT. You cannot discount the fact that this team respects Mitchell. They respect his criticism, they respect his approach, they respect his love for the team. This level of respect can take years to build. Why break it down with a brand new coach?

Odds are that Mitchell to be back with the Raptors next year.

Of course, there is a small chance that Mitchell does not return. If that’s the case, Iavaroni will not be his replacement. Yes, he coached in Phoenix.  Yes, he has an Italian last name, but Colangelo is smart. He knows that hiring a never-been-a-head-coach to a team at this point in the growth curve could be disasterous.

If anyone, Ettore Messina is Sam Mitchell’s successor. Think about it. Where did he coach?  Benetton Treviso. Who played under him? Garbajosa and Bargnani. Who managed him? Gherardini. Where is he now? He’s a Euroleague champion at CSKA Moscow and one of the most highly regarded coaches in the world.

As for those who believe Colangelo is positioning himself to allow for Mitchell to reject his “low” offer so that he can bring in his own coach, consider this. Colangelo is a businessman and a businessman first. He certainly would not say, “Let’s go to the bank and open up the vault for Sam”. No, these are negotiations. ‘Realistic and reasonable’ is a smart place to start.

In the end, it is worth considering the neglected perspective. We’ll soon find out which is the right one.