How Brickley Broke Into the NBA

Chris recounts Rick Pitino's influence and the Knicks tryout challenge that led to his hiring and meeting Carmelo Anthony.

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Chris Brickley is the go-to trainer for the biggest names in basketball. Starting his career under coaching legends Rick Pitino and Phil Jackson, Chris made bold moves that ultimately set the stage for his breakthrough in the NBA. He’s worked with elite players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Donovan Mitchell, shaping their training regimens and taking their games to new heights.

Now in this exclusive interview with Dr. Kristen Holmes, he take us behind the scenes of:

The coaching test he had to pass to join the Knicks
How Chris trained NBA stars while homeless
Whether he would ever want to coach an NBA team
The toughest crossroads he’s faced in his career
How NBA superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant stay elite
Who Chris is most excited to watch in the 2025-26 NBA Season
How he’s grown from an NBA trainer into a global brand
What it actually takes to be one of the best player in the world

If you're a basketball enthusiast, aspiring coach, or just curious about the world of elite basketball, this episode of the Line is packed with valuable insights and tips from one of the best in the business.

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Follow Chris Brickley here:

www.instagram.com/cbrickley603

www.instagram.com/blackops.basketball

Learn more about his latest Puma release: https://us.puma.com/us/en/pd/all-pro-nitro-2-empire-legacy-by-chris-brickley-mens-basketball-shoes/312311?swatch=01

(00:00) Introduction

(02:33) Breaking into the NBA with the New York Knicks

(06:09) Gaining Trust with Carmelo Anthony & NBA Stars

(09:01) Why Chris Left the Knicks

(11:25) From Nike Deal to Homeless

(14:07) How Chris Brickley Built His Name