Interviewees: Elizabeth Anderson

Gender: Male

Eric Ross is the Director of Draft Scouting for an NBA basketball team. He has worked in the scouting field for ten years. Eric shared much insight into the evaluations that take place before an athlete is drafted. Evaluations include physical, mental, and even interviews with 4-12 different points of contact for each draft prospect. He likens the evaluation process to risk assessment. “What is the likelihood of this person...having a long career? What is the likelihood of this person maximizing their full potential?” Psychologists and therapists are accessible, and many check in regularly. Most visits are voluntary, but players are required to check in twice a year. If there are any issues, then players will be required to spend more time in sessions. Players also work continuously with medical staff to perform evaluations and adjust workout plans. At the end of the year, a full evaluation is done, and an off-season program plan is created focusing on areas of concern. This involves nutrition, weightlifting, and maintenance. Eric discussed how physical capability is the most important part of the evaluation and how they work with a team comes in second. He points out that inside the team, it’s helpful to know the characteristics of the players such as is this player a leader, follower, energetic? This helps when creating a balanced team.

Self-Reporting

The self-reporting is done on different categories such as physical, medical, and mental assessment.

• Color rating

  • Green - Good to go

  • Yellow - Cautionary instances

  • Orange - Significant management of injury

  • Red - Needs work

NBA Evaluation Measures

• Speed

• How high they jump

• Doctors review their health

  • Scans

  • How their bones move

  • Weaknesses in their muscles

  • Any imbalances