MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves have named Sam Mitchell as an assistant on coach Flip Saunders' staff.

The Timberwolves made the announcement Tuesday. Mitchell played for the Timberwolves in 10 seasons, including seven years during Saunders' first stint as coach of the team.

Mitchell coached the Toronto Raptors for just over four seasons and was named coach of the year in 2006-07. He also served as an assistant under Avery Johnson in New Jersey and George Karl in Milwaukee. He had been serving as an analyst on NBA TV among other media outlets while waiting to get back into the game.

Saunders says he values the leadership Mitchell will bring to the team.

Mitchell joins Sidney Lowe as assistants on Saunders' staff. Saunders' son, Ryan, is expected to be hired as well.