#436 Ron Adams, Golden St. Warriors Asst. Coach : "Great Assistants Cement the Cracks"
Way of Champions Podcast
Coaching Through Change: Lessons from the Pandemic
This chapter explores the philosophies of coaching amidst the challenges of the pandemic, focusing on the need for adaptability and the role of coaches as educators. It highlights the importance of fostering joy and teamwork in sports while addressing societal pressures that can overshadow these values. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of being an athlete in the age of social media, emphasizing the significance of connection and support in performance.
Ron Adams has been the assistant coach of the Golden St. Warriors since 2014, in that time winning 4x NBA Champions and being recognized in 2022 at the Tex Winter Award winner for lifetime achievement as an assistant coach. He owns previous coaching experience with Boston Celtics (2013-14), Chicago Bulls (2003-08, 2010-13), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-2010), Milwaukee Bucks (1998-2003), Philadelphia 76ers (1994-96) and San Antonio Spurs (1992-94). Before joining the NBA, Adams coached collegiately for 20 years with head coaching stints at Fresno State (1986-90) and his alma mater, Fresno Pacific (1972-75). He also served as an assistant coach at U.S. International, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV and at both Fresno schools. Additionally, Adams has coached professionally in Belgium and Japan, as well as for the Canadian national team.
In our chat today, originally recored in December 202 as the NBA was returning to play following COVID, we cover:
- His journey as a coach
- “A good coach is someone who has a job.”
- “There is no formula for good coaching.”
- How has social media changed the halftime locker room experience?
- Why does Steve Kerr call Ron the “truth-teller”?
- What makes an assistant coach effective? …what are your “ego needs”?
- How do you handle disagreements with the Head Coach?
- Having hard conversations with players
- Ron talks about his relationship with Kevin Durant
- How do you know when it’s time to move on as an assistant?
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