CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sam Mitchell was still on the job with the Bobcats amid reports that he's been chosen to be coach of the Raptors. Mitchell, an assistant with the expansion club, spent Saturday evaluating players at an open tryout.
Charlotte spokesman Scott Leightman said that the Bobcats had given the Raptors permission to speak to Mitchell. The Toronto Sun reported the Raptors had chosen Mitchell, 40, over SuperSonics assistant Dwane Casey and Detroit assistant Mike Woodson.
"The Raptors have nothing to announce on the coaching search at this time," Toronto spokesman Jim LaBumbard said.
CELTICS: Boston has an interest in signing upcoming free-agent forwards Etan Thomas and Antonio McDyess, according to the Boston Herald. While it seems Thomas could be the top choice, the Celtics are researching the knee problems that have severely curtailed McDyess' career the last three seasons. McDyess received a bone grafting procedure last season.
NETS: New Jersey has talked with Denver regarding a possible sign-and-trade deal involving forwards Kenyon Martin, an upcoming restricted free agent, and Nene Hilario, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Hilario made $2.3-million and Martin $5.1-million last season.
CHARLOTTE 46, INDIANA 37: Charlotte Smith-Taylor scored 11 to lead the host Sting in the second-lowest scoring game in league history. The Fever set a league low with nine field goals. Natalie Williams scored 11 for the Fever.
