How basketball’s rising stars can maximize skills through self-care
Corey Sipkin / AP
Just two short weeks ago, the most dynamic young players from American colleges, international teams, and the NBA G-League collected their new team caps and joined the league under the bright lights of the NBA Draft.
But instead of getting acclimated to their new environments, bonding with teammates, or fully reflecting on the surreal reality of achieving their childhood dreams, they are thrown into the spotlight at the NBA’s summer home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas Summer League exists as the closest thing to an NBA super convention. Amid the young rookies breaking in their kicks on the hardwood, the NBA’s most decorated superstars, coaches, and executives also grace the sidelines to welcome them into the NBA family.
Being thrown into the fire induces an excitement for these young athletes, which can reinforce their burning desire to win. But this reality can also shake up emotions that could make that success increasingly difficult to accomplish.
To lessen this burden, the NBA and the player’s association devised NBA Mind Health, a clinically-led initiative that focuses on providing support to the NBA’s rising stars through the Rookie Transition Program. Designed to help first-year players navigate such a monumental lifestyle switch, the program strives to create a sense of communal guidance for players of all different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities.
It remains a challenge for many to present themselves and their vulnerabilities in such a strange environment. But to do so in a familiar setting alongside people with common goals becomes especially important for normalizing this conversation—both in the NBA and on a grander scale, as well. In this conversation, however, many overlook the role that our mind plays in day-to-day activity. For any working individual, the push to stay endlessly productive often leads to exhaustion and burnout—which can drastically inhibit skills on the job.
For NBA players, they remain dedicated to the game with a clear pursuit of being “number one.” Whether that’s being the first player to arrive at the practice gym, becoming the first pick to shake Adam Silver's hand at the draft, or finishing first place in the Finals with their team, the chase to the top drives players through and through. A part of that pursuit is the notion to grind away at every challenge that comes before you. You are expected to play through pain with stoic persistence. In the perception of many, seeking help is all but a sign of weakness and implies poor leadership skills.
But in response to the league and union's recent efforts to mitigate the stigma of mental health, multiple executives around the league are embracing the conversation as an enduring movement and not just a single moment in time.
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“It is a major initiative for player development at the league level,” expressed Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey. “It’s critical that our players understand that there is a secure and comfortable environment.”
Boston Celtics Assistant General Manager Michael Zarren discussed how athletes leading the awareness of player wellness in other sports—such as seven-time Olympic gold gymnast Simone Biles—can uplift and empower NBA players to find their voice.
During this year’s Olympics, Biles made an empowering, yet controversial decision to withdraw from competition due to mental health concerns stemming from an overwhelming pressure to succeed.
“I think those top athletes doing stuff like that will help everyone. I would applaud [Biles] particularly—not just because she’s doing what she needs to for herself— but because her stand at the Olympics is going to be good for a lot of NBA players."
Although players will bid adieu to the Nevada desert soon and settle themselves in their new homes, the overlooked pressures of daily NBA life will naturally persist. However, with league leadership taking things in the right direction, players around the association are beginning to follow suit by committing to their holistic well-being and sharing their stories with others.
The idea of athletes prioritizing their self-wellness can be a positive take-home message for everybody. This isn’t just applicable to the sports world—it’s essential for the human condition.