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: [email protected]

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

In this episode, I sit down with Lee Taft, widely known as "The Speed Guy."

With over 35 years of experience, Lee is a renowned authority on athletic movement and multidirectional speed training. His methodologies, drills, and principles are used by NFL, NBA, and MLB teams, top NCAA programs, and performance facilities across the globe.

Lee’s coaching roots run deep — he has coached basketball teams and athletes at all levels and does an exceptional job at simplifying complex concepts into digestible skills that can directly apply to the game.

He has a deep passion for the game of basketball, and is an incredible advocate for developing athletes and bridging the gap between coaches and players.

01:09 Importance of Language in Coaching

02:14 Guest's Background and Journey

05:32 Common Misconceptions in Basketball Coaching

12:42 Developing Locomotion Literacy in Athletes

17:18 Rehabilitation and Return to Play

21:01 Using Bands for Deceleration Training

23:43 Using Bands for Lower Body Emphasis

25:23 Importance of Skill Development and Free Play

29:40 Incorporating Skill Development in Team Settings

35:28 Conditioning and Skill Training Integration

39:17 Balancing Play and Training for Young Athletes

44:08 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning

This episode is powered by Teambuildr. TeamBuildr PRACTICE is running a limited-time pre-sale. Secure 25% off by heading to teambuildr.com/practice before May 31, 2025.

Learn more from Lee at his website: https://leetaft.com/

Follow Lee on IG: https://www.instagram.com/leetaft/

Erik is a nationally recognized physical therapist, consultant, and educator based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in sports rehabilitation and applying science to sports medicine, with his current focus on supporting professional and elite collegiate athletes.

In this episode, he shares his observations on the gaps medical & performance professionals typically have when it comes to applying science into their practice. The conversation delves into what is really "evidence-based practice" and the critical appraisal of new technology in high-level basketball. Speaking from over two decades of experience, he advocates for the role of practitioners as guides rather than "fixers", stressing the need for transparency, hammering the basics well, and keeping interactions centered around the athlete's values.

Learn more about Erik and his courses at: www.thesciencept.com

Register for the Elite Rehab Basketball Conference at: https://basketball.eliterehabconferences.com/

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01:05 Starting the PT Inquests Podcast

02:37 Journey into Physical Therapy

04:42 Developing a Unique Practice

06:00 Engaging with Higher-Level Athletes

08:02 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy

09:06 Challenges in Research and Application

22:13 Efficacy vs. Effectiveness in Therapy

28:18 Critically Appraising New Technology

29:22 Identifying and Addressing Performance Gaps

30:23 Challenges with High-Tech Solutions in Sports Science

32:50 The Importance of Simplicity in Athletic Testing

33:53 Athlete Perception and Technology

35:03 Focusing on Fundamentals Over Cutting-Edge Tech

36:57 Addressing Basic Issues in Athletic Performance

43:46 The Role of Medical Providers in Sports

52:32 Elite Basketball Rehab Conference and Networking

56:15 Online Courses and Resources for Professionals

Dr. Keith D'Amelio has an extensive background in elite sports, including roles with such organizations as the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Stanford University as well as being the former Director of Athlete Performance at Nike,

In this episode, Keith shares his background on the evolution of the basketball landscape over his career as well as the changes in athlete expectations and relationships with training staff. He shares his opinions on the current structure of medical/performance departments as well as providing advice to professionals feeling the pressure of inevitable departures. We wrap up the conversation discussing the missing untapped aspect of player development that can give your athletes the competitive advantage.

Best contact to reach Keith is via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-d-amelio-phd-2166b54/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finish_strong_hoops/

Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health.

This podcast will bring exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode will unpack the latest science and turn it into real-world strategies to help you deliver high-quality services to your athletes.