Legendary Strength Coach, Erik Helland, who has a storied career spanning both the NBA (including the iconic 90's Chicago Bulls) and collegiate basketball at the University of Wisconsin, shares invaluable insights into the evolution of coaching, the importance of mentorship, and building team cohesion.

Helland reflects on his time spent bonding with athletes and coaches, his appreciation for the influential mentorship of Al Vermeil, and the crucial transition moments in his career. He emphasizes the significance of consistent, high-quality training, effective communication, and creating a culture that prioritizes both athletic and personal development.

Helland also touches on the administrative challenges of the expanding staff sizes in today's league, the interplay between athletic training and strength conditioning, and the timeless qualities necessary for becoming a successful coach.

Erik's Email: erikhelland63@gmail.com

00:58 Mentorship and Professional Growth

03:04 Impact of Al Vermeil

06:56 Chicago Bulls in the 80s and 90s

11:41 Training Philosophy and Team Culture

14:40 Challenges of Modern NBA Staffs

20:24 Collaboration with Training Staff

23:15 Injury Rates and Factors

24:56 Innovative Team Lifts in the NBA

25:37 Consistency and Quality in Training

28:23 Challenges and Adaptations in Collegiate Coaching

31:39 Building Strong Relationships with Athletes

36:23 Timeless Art of Coaching

44:15 Current Endeavors and Future Plans

Dr. Jess Elis is the founder of Rehab Code, and the former Vice President of Player Health with the New York Knicks and before that the Director of Player Health and Performance with the Trailblazers. He is someone that has mastered both the science and art of high-performance sports medicine and leadership.

In this episode, Jess shares his journey from starting with minimal network connections to leading multiple departments in the NBA. The discussion covers key moments in his career, the value of sacrifice, being realistic in your education pursuits, and avoiding the arrogance that comes with the titles.

Jess also highlights the underbelly of the NBA, the real challenges professionals face in high-performance settings, and not tying your identity to your job.

We wrap up discussing his company, Rehab Code, aimed at offering community-based sports rehab education and mentorship as well as his other initiatives.

Rehab Code: https://www.therehabcode.com/

Jess Elis on Instagram: @physio_elis

00:00 Introduction

00:51 Journey into Professional Sports

02:02 Breaking into the Industry

04:43 Challenges and Sacrifices

12:10 The Importance of Personality in Pro Sports

16:36 Arrogance vs. Mastery

20:10 Communication and Collaboration in Pro Sports

22:31 Staff Size and Role Definition

25:13 Player Relationships and Role Dynamics

25:47 Athlete-Led Experience vs. PT-Led Model

28:22 Realities of Working in Pro Sports

33:36 Mentorship and Professional Growth

37:02 Introducing Rehab Code

39:46 Future Ventures and Opportunities

42:39 Connecting with Rehab Code

Maggie Bryant, President of Performance, Health, and Wellness for the LA Clippers joins us today to share her career story and how she has evolved to lead a highly reputable medical & performance department within the league.

Maggie discusses her early interest in basketball, the injuries that led her to physical therapy, and her progression through various roles within the NBA.

She provides deep insights into handling complex relationships and communication strategies within the team. The conversation also explores the importance of role clarity, continuing education, and the use of biomechanics to enhance player performance and injury prevention.

Maggie's experience and strategies offer valuable lessons for both current and aspiring professionals in the field.

This episode is brought to you by Vald and Teambuildr

Contact Maggie:

Email: maggieibryant@gmail.com

IG: maggsb55

X: bryant5maggie

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:45 Entering Professional Sports

04:09 Role with the Clippers

06:14 Staff Development and Team Dynamics

11:50 Handling Player Relationships

16:35 Challenges and Strategies

21:45 Communication and Decision Making

29:08 Innovations and Future Directions

34:22 Personal Insights and Advice

36:22 Conclusion and Contact Information