5 Ways NBA Summer League Will Help You Get an NBA Internship
Will Summer League help me have an opportunity to get an NBA internship?
Will Summer League help me have an opportunity to get an NBA internship?
Yes.
Definitely, yes.
Will you get an internship because you went? Not necessarily, but will it help, yes.
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The first time I went to NBA Summer League, I was already working for the Trail Blazers and I couldn’t believe it. I was in the stands, Doc Rivers on one side of me and Coach Pop on the other.
To say the least, I felt a little out of place. But that was Summer League. Coaches and Executives everywhere.
If I’d known what it was like when I was younger, I would have gone every year.
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In what ways will it help you get an internship?
1 – Connections
Everything is about connections. This doesn’t mean you have to have established connections in the NBA already. But eventually, you’ll have to meet someone. And since everyone is in the same place, it’s a great spot to make that connection. For those you’ve connected with on LinkedIn or elsewhere, drop them a note and let them know you’ll be at SL. Maybe you have a chance to meet up or maybe it’s just a casual ‘hello’ in between games. Either way, it’s a furthering of connection.
2 – Classes
There are a lot of great courses and classes out there. This doesn’t mean you have to take them all or even any of them. Look through the courses available and see if there is one that fits what you are looking for. It’s not so much about what you learn but about meeting others with the same interests. Because… connections.
Once again, count the cost. Not every class or conference is worth it. You don’t need to sign up for them all. If you decide to do one, find one that fits you best.
Most of the time, those running the course can’t give you a job. But you can learn valuable tools. And you can meet people.
3 – Volunteer / Work
There are jobs at Summer League. Contact the operators of Summer League and contact NBA teams to see if they are needing help. Oftentimes those who are already GA’s or Team Managers at the NCAA level have an inside track to positions with teams for Summer League.
4 – Meetings
Whether it was pre-planned or a casual bump in, you have the opportunity to meet NBA personnel.
But… sorry, I don’t want your paper resume. And I’m not putting your flash drive in my computer. Sometimes just a greeting is fine. Send an e-mail or follow-up that it was nice meeting them. But don’t try to go from greeting to getting an NBA job in one conversation.
And don’t ask for phone numbers, it’s uncomfortable. If someone wants to give you their phone number, they will. If not, find their e-mail or LinkedIn profile and message them there.
5 - Meet Other People Like You
Hey, you’re all there to get a job in the NBA. There can be a scarcity mindset with jobs. But I think the better path is to help each other. One of you might get an NBA gig. Another might get a G-League gig. Ya know what, that next season, the one who got the NBA gig may need an intern.
So meet each other there and build those connections and relationships too.
Sometimes it is more valuable to connect out than to connect up.
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GET IN THE GAME 101 is stoked to have a Summer League Crash Course on June 29 and 30 ($79.99)
*Hear stories and ask questions of NBA personnel who were in your shoes a year or two ago
*Learn from NBA personnel what key factors they look at in deciding who they will meet
*Do you have to go to Summer League to get an NBA Internship
*Should you pass out your resume, card, or flash drive
*Where do you meet NBA personnel and how do you approach them
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*How a Front Office prepares a Summer League roster
*What does Summer League look like for an NBA team and Staff
*What does Off-Season Development look like for NBA Players
Use Promo Code: SUMMERLEAGUE for $10 off
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-in-the-game-101-summer-nba-player-development-tickets-361090279747