American · Atlanta, Georgia · Born 1 January 1956 · Died 2011-06-09American basketball player who starred in the NBA during the 1980s, known for his prolific scoring ability and explosive offensive performances.
Mike Mitchell was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1956. Cleveland Cavaliers selected him fifteenth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft. His 11-season career produced 19.5 points per game and one All-Star appearance. He averaged over 23 points per game in two consecutive seasons with the San Antonio Spurs (1984-85, 1985-86), ranking among the highest scorers in the league during the George Gervin era and alongside him rather than simply behind him. His mid-range pull-up from the left elbow was considered one of the most reliable individual shots in the Western Conference throughout his San Antonio years. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team. He was one of the more prolific scorers of the 1980s whose consistent 20-point production received limited national attention due to the market size of his franchise. His San Antonio career is underappreciated in the context of the Gervin dynasty — he was the second scoring option on teams that were consistently competitive in the Western Conference.
High-scoring guard for San Antonio Spurs
How They Played
Explosive scorer and athletic guard
Lasting Impact
One of the early stars of the San Antonio Spurs franchise
Career Honours
- All-Star 1x
- All-NBA Third Team
- San Antonio scoring records
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 1978–1982 | 246 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 1982–1986 | 265 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1986–1987 | 44 |
American Athletes