Rejection & the NBA
Getting a job in the NBA
If you are looking for a job in the NBA, one thing you will likely face is an overwhelming amount of rejection. The important thing is to take what you can learn from each rejection and apply for the next position, and the next position, and the next position.
When I decided that I was going to turn my dream of working in the NBA to a reality, I went on-line and googled NBA Jobs. Basic enough, right? I took an on-line course. I learned how to break down game film. And I found websites to apply for jobs in the NBA.
I knew it would be hard to get a position but facing rejection after rejection… is really hard. And most of the time, it’s not even rejection, it’s simply crickets on the other end. You call to follow up. Did you get my resume? Do I have a chance? Should I move on? You ask them and you ask yourself these questions.
After around 18 rejections for positions in the NBA, I moved on to applying for opportunities in the G-League. But lo and behold, there was an unpaid position with Portland that I was hired for.
I always felt 18 rejections was a lot. But the more I talked to others, the more I heard stories of 50 to 100 and more rejections. I realized I was on the low end.
But the thing that always holds true is that it only takes one teach to give you a chance.
I learned this on the opposite end as well. While hiring Interns for the Trail Blazers, I often came across prospective Interns that I did not feel were qualified or did not have the right mentality to work in the League. But then, something crazy would happen, another team would hire them! It only takes one.
I learned that even if someone wasn’t right or qualified for what we were looking for, this did not mean that they weren’t qualified or the right fit for another team.
If working in the NBA is something you are passionate about, keep knocking on doors, keep growing, keep learning, and keep your head up. It only takes one team to give you a chance!
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Over the last few months, we’ve had a handful of you contribute to growth of GITG101. We especially want to thank our first full-time intern Alex Burns who, amongst many things, has helped us grow our socials. You can find and follow us on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook @getinthegame101 where we have interviews, class snippets, and more!
Snippet of an interview with Alex and one of our course instructors, Sunny Ahluwalia (Memphis Grizzlies):
Are you someone who is passionate about basketball and loves the NBA Draft! We would love to have you in our NBA Draft Course. Meet NBA personnel from the Front Office to Coaches and Players who will peel pack the curtain and give you a look into how the NBA Draft process operates. You’ll also join your own Front Office cohort for a Mock Draft at the end of the course. We hope to see you there! E-mail us at info@getinthegame101.com for more info or any questions!