When the NBA Trade Deadline Hits Home
When I was a Video Intern with the Portland Trail Blazers, there was one player who came in every single night who I would rebound for, Taurean Green, from the National Champion Florida Gators.
He rarely played but he came in night after night to work on his game. Head Video Coordinator Kaleb Canales, would work him out and I would run around setting screens, rebounding, and passing.
Over time, you start to build relationships with the guys on the team. Especially when you’re working around the clock with them.
It was my first year in the NBA so everything was a bit of a whirlwind and on Trade Deadline day, I saw Taurean in the GM’s office.
I checked in with someone to see what was happening. We had just traded him. My heart sank a little bit.
I had always loved the NBA Trade Deadline. But now, it wasn’t just a spectator sport, it was relationships.
I was planning on catching Taurean when he got out of the office but I learned another thing in the NBA life… things move fast.
Taurean had a car waiting for him out front and the Equipment Manager would pack his stuff up and ship it to him.
I never saw Taurean again.
Not only a welcome to the NBA for Taurean but a welcome to the NBA for me as well.
Over time, you learn that this is how it goes. Players come in and out, maybe for a season or two, maybe less. Or maybe you get a player like a Dame or CJ who become staples in the community. But even then, as we just saw, a CJ can be moved.
When you work in the NBA, they say it’s family. It’s also a cutthroat business.
The family part, that’s what you make of it. It’s the relationships you build and keep along the way that become family… and that’s the most important part of the business.
February 2023 Update: GET IN THE GAME 101 is hosting our first NBA Trade Deadline Course on February 7 and 8 (5p PT / 8p ET). This 2-day course will dive into the NBA Trade Deadline where you can learn from and ask questions of NBA Coaches, Front Office Personnel, Medical, Training, Analytics, Equipment and more. These experts will share their experiences, answer your questions, and enlighten you to the behind the scenes activities of the NBA Trade Deadline. We hope to see you there! Use Promo: TRADE for 10% off. Contact us at info@getinthegame101.com with any questions!