Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
Michael Anthony Mitchell (January 1, 1956 – June 9, 2011) was an American professional basketball player known for his time in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and his collegiate career at Auburn University.
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Michael Anthony Mitchell
- Nationality: American
- Date of Birth: January 1, 1956
- Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
- Weight: 234 pounds (106 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 8 inches
- Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
- Jersey Numbers: 30, 34, 13
- Position: Small Forward
- High School: Luther Judson Price High School, Atlanta, Georgia
- College: Auburn University
- NBA Draft: 1978, 1st round, 15th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Teams Played For:
- Cleveland Cavaliers (1978–1981)
- San Antonio Spurs (1981–1988)
- Filodoro Brescia (1988–1990)
- Filodoro Napoli (1990–1991)
- Maccabi Tel Aviv (1991–1992)
- Reggiana (1992–1999)
- Championship Rings: None
- Children: Information not publicly available
- Siblings: Information not publicly available
Career Highlights:
- NBA All-Star in 1980
- Auburn University all-time leader in rebounds (996) and second in points scored (2,123) at the time of his departure
- Auburn’s No. 30 jersey retired on January 19, 2013
College Career:
At Auburn University, Mitchell was a standout player, earning four All-SEC selections and a second-team All-American honor in the 1977–78 season. He became Auburn’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounding, with 2,123 points and 996 rebounds, respectively. His jersey number 30 was retired by Auburn on January 19, 2013.
Professional Career:
Mitchell was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft. He played for the Cavaliers from 1978 to 1981, then joined the San Antonio Spurs from 1981 to 1988. After his NBA career, Mitchell played internationally for teams in Italy and Israel, including Filodoro Brescia, Filodoro Napoli, and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He concluded his professional playing career with Reggiana in Italy from 1992 to 1999.
Post-Retirement:
After retiring from professional basketball, Mitchell worked as a counselor for at-risk youth in San Antonio.
Death:
Michael Mitchell passed away on June 9, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas, due to cancer.
For more insights into Michael Mitchell’s life and career, you can watch his interview on the “Sounds of Spurs” podcast: