How to develop an NBA player: Assessments, programmes and methodologies with Nathan Spencer

Pacey Performance Podcast

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach at New South Wales Institute of Sport, Nathan Spencer. So what has Nathan got to do with NBA players? Well, prior to moving back to Australia, Nathan spent 4 years at the Orlando Magic, firstly as a Performance and Rehab Coach before progressing to Head Strength Coach.

In this episode, Nathan reflects on his time in the NBA, opening up about a difficult transition from Australian pro basketball. He dives into his preconceptions about NBA players and what they should and shouldn't be doing before detailing the assessments that formed the foundation of their programme. We discuss assessments that came and went during his 4 years in Orlando as well as the metrics that become valuable to him and the rest of the performance team.

We finish off the conversation by getting into the detail about how NBA players train on the road, how they maintain such high physical capacity whilst in the midst of a packed schedule.

If you want to know how to develop an NBA player, click play on this episode with Nathan.

Main talking points -

• Reflections on Nathan's time in the NBA - the realities
• Understanding what the athlete needs to improve physically
• Choosing the the most appropriate assessment
• Things to consider - prior injury, technique etc
• Influence of the draft
• Answering three important questions
  • What physical characteristics do athletes need to possess to play in the NBA and YOUR way of playing?
  • Expression vs capacity - what NM properties comprise these characteristics?
  • What training methodologies impact these properties?
• Interventions based off these assessments
• How did things change across your time there as influences and philosophies changed?