Page 2 - Player Development Project Timberwolves

My Philosophy on Player Development
In the last 2 years, we have helped both Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver go from unranked recruits to first round draft picks. If someone asked me how we got it done, my answer would be simple: relationship, structure, and accountability.
Relationship is key in player development. A coach can know a ton, but if he cannot connect with a player, it will be difficult for him to get his message through. By the time players get to the NBA, they have had a countless number of coaches teaching them the game. They have heard it all. How do they differentiate who they should listen to? Players listen to the people they trust.
Relationship
In player development, players don’t just trust anything. They have to make sure you know what you are talking about. Personally, I did not play in the NBA. Therefore, I have to spend a lot of time studying the game to make sure players recognize I have some knowledge. Then I have to use the numbers and the videos to back up my points as well.
Once players believe you know what you are talking about, they are more inclined to listen and apply what you are trying to teach them. For example, if I want to work on a new finish with a player, it does me no good to tell him I used to do it. I need to find an all-star level player or players using that finish consistently. Then, I can get their attention.
That trust cannot stop between the lines. It has to go deeper than that to really be able to reach a player. They have to know I am willing to go out of my way to help them. Whether it is rebounding late at night or doing them a favor unrelated to basketball, they have to know I care. Sometimes it may be necessary to take that relationship outside of the work place, where a player can feel more comfortable. Going out for lunch with a player and talk about anything but basketball can pay big dividends in the long run.
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