4. Developing A Sense Of Urgency
The worst thing that a professional athlete can be is complacent. There’s always something new to achieve, whether it be another skill to add, another record to break, or another championship to be won.
Thus, instilling a responsible sense of urgency in a young player is the best way to avoid complacency.
Kristaps Porzingis is a feverishly passionate player who’s committed to achieving greatness. That immutable determination makes Porzingis a future leader and the optimal route for development is to surround him with like-minded individuals.
That’s exactly what Phil Jackson has done by building the New York Knicks’ 2016-17 roster with players who display the previously alluded to sense of urgency.
Porzingis is still young, but NBA careers can end as soon as they begin. Thus, teaching a player to make the most of the opportunities they’re given is the ultimate way to expedite their development in a healthy manner.
A career can change without a moment’s notice. A sense of urgency is the greatest way to maximize one’s time in the Association.
Next: The Mentor