The Edge You Need to get an NBA Job

Getting a job in the NBA

Everyone is looking for an edge.  In life.  In work.  In sports.  The edge is how we level up, beat out the competition, take the next step.  And the thing that will enhance your work the most are your connections.

In Together, Vivek H. Murthy states, “Given that our connections with people are both our greatest source of fulfillment and also the ultimate performance enhancer…”

I’ve stated before, I’m not big on networking.  But I am all in on connections.  Networking for networking sake isn’t going to get your far.  Building true connections will be your superpower. 

No one gets their foot in the door without making a true connection.  And it’s often not the connection you’d expect.

I wanted to work in the NBA and I couldn’t even get my resume looked at.  I called Human Resources departments and was punted forward.

But I took a class with Frank Burlison (Basketball Scout) who brokered a meeting between me and the Head Coach of Liberty University, Ritchie McKay, which helped lead to my resume being looked at (because I gained experience), which led to an interview with Brian Adams (then Video Coordinator of the Celtics), which led to a recommendation to Kaleb Canales (then VC of the Portland Trail Blazers)… and it was ultimately Kaleb who gave me an opportunity as an Intern.

You need experience and skills, but then, the ultimate enhancer will be finding a connection that leads you to the next connection that leads you to the next…

And once you land in your career space and become a little more settled, you’ll find connections even more important because you likely will have to move away from your family and community.

You will find connections, real connections being the lifeblood of not just your career but your everyday life as well.