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

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/