Episode 142: Vinay Bhavnani, NBA Player and Skill Development

Guest: Vinay Bhavnani, Long-time NBA Assistant Coach

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, long-time NBA assistant coach Vinay Bhavnani joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss NBA player and skill development. Bhavnani also shares ideas about getting a coaching job and scouting at the NBA level.

Vinay Bhavnani was most recently an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bhavnani has also served as a video coordinator, the manager of advanced scouting, and a director of player development. He has assisted in the development of NBA stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Steven Adams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

His NBA journey started in 2004 when he took a scouting internship with the Los Angeles Clippers instead of pursuing a career in engineering. At the time, Bhavnani had just graduated from USC and could not pass up on his dream of working in the NBA. Vinay's engineering background gives him a unique perspective and skillset to thrive in the league.

After three successful years in Los Angeles, Bhavnani was hired as an assistant video coordinator with the San Antonio Spurs. With the Spurs, Bhavnani continued to learn more about the game and made a positive impact on the organization. He continued to climb the ranks as the Thunder hired him as manager of advanced scouting and player development.

Bhavnani was the first assistant coach in the NBA with Indian heritage. His parents are from Ahmedabad, India. He participated in Basketball without Borders in India and has helped the Indian national team head coaches for the men's (Kenny Natt) and women's teams (Pete Gaudet). As well he spent time in support of the NBA India staff (Troy Justice) to see the basketball development in that country.

Breakdown

1:00 - Finding a New Job

4:00 - Confidence is Important

6:00 - Bringing Value

9:00 - About Scouting

12:00 - Pitching

15:00 - Move Somewhere Else

17:00 - Developing the Mission Statement

19:00 - Why Footwork is Important

24:00 - Problem Solving

27:00 - Test of Retention

30:00 - Skill vs Player Development