TunneySide of Sports

On the TunneySide of Sports July 1, 2019, #750 Hats Off!

After further review… ”My hat’s off to you!” is a time–worn expression of congratulations to the winner of an event or to one who has successfully completed a task. It may have come from an old English expression showing appreciation for achievement. It’s much different that the expression “hold onto your hat.” If you were watching the 2019 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft held recently (June 20^th), hold onto your hat is what this is all about.

It has been the NBA’s practice (as it has been in the NFL) to hand a baseball cap to each selected player with the logo of the T*E*A*M selecting him as he approaches the commissioner to receive his congratulatory hug. Whatever happened to handshakes? This 2019 NBA draft selection-evening produced more than its share of confusion.

When DeAndre Hunter, a 21-year old 6’7” small-forward junior from the University of Virginia, was selected fourth in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers, he was handed a cap with the Lakers logo. However, the scroll across the television screen indicated that the Lakers were trading Hunter to the Atlanta Hawks. Hunter remarked about why he was wearing a Lakers hat but really was going to the Hawks. This occurred to other players throughout that evening.

Player after player, whose scroll across the bottom of the screen indicated a trade was imminent, was presented with the cap of the team that selected him in the draft order. The reason for this confusion is that the 2019 NBA league year doesn’t start until July 6^th – that’s next Saturday! Further, Anthony Davis, a 6’10” All-Star power forward of the New Orleans Pelicans was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for three players and a 2019 draft choice so that he could join LeBron James putting the Lakers in a strong position to challenge the Western defending champs Warriors, but it is not firm yet!

Many NBA players eligible for free agency are working behind-the-scenes for their selection by teams other than the one they played for this (2018-19) season. I have never been a fan of free agency as it destroys fan loyalty. It appears that fan loyalty often switches to individual player loyalty, e.g., LeBron, Durant, etc. etc. rather than T*E*A*M loyalty. While Curt Flood (St. Louis Cardinals outfielder) might have been correct in 1969 challenging major baseball league’s reserve clause, free agency is of major concern in all professional sports.

Will you log-in about the NBA draft confusion and possible correction for 2020 draft?

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Jim’s thirteenth book and the third in a series ‘Yet Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ will be published July 1^st. To get an advance and personally autographed copy with free shipping, please send a check for $20 to Jim Tunney Youth Foundation P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953 or use PayPal.

This offer is available to the continental United States only.

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 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more. Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly. These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others. Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!

On the TunneySide of Sports June 17, 2019, #748 Warriors Inspiration

The coming together of three women with entrepreneurial spirits and similar interests created a company called InspireCorps located in New Haven, CT. InspireCorps’ aim is “developing and inspiring people to be at their best as individuals, as leaders, and within teams. Today’s business environment is unpredictable and moves at a rapid pace” explains Co-Founder and Chief innovative Officer Allison Holzer.

This brings to mind what Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr, faces. As I read the article about who InspireCorps is and what their four core capabilities are, it surely rang true what Kerr and his T*E*A*M have accomplished to win their A Championship. Let’s examine InspireCorps’ four cores and how they apply to the Warriors or to any team.

#1. Clear Boundaries and Focus. Inspiriting teams have goals and roles that are clear and agreed on, and members held accountable.” When you watch Curry, Thompson, Durant and D. Green, it is easy to observe their adherence to this premise.

#2. Communication and alignment. Inspiring teams adopt practices and build systems that support strong coordination, high integrity, and the sharing of information.” When you watch the verbal and non-verbal Warriors communication on the court and observe each individual as they gather together during a time-out, one can see strong communication taking place.

#3. Connection, Trust, and Inclusion. Inspiring teams promote emotional safety, so all members can be themselves and feel confident to contribute.” That trust among the Warriors players is evident as they touch hands before and after a play, whether is was successful or not. Further, Kerr will often remind his players who may be having an “off-night” to keep shooting and doing what they do best. This reminder keeps their confidence level undamaged.

#4. On the Hunt. Inspiring teams are never satisfied.” That’s quite obvious with the Warriors as one reviews their won/loss record. Does that sound like greed? Not at all. On the hunt simply means each will give his best effort every time! Teams of this nature inspire others, and particularly opponents to improve their individual and team strengths.

While the above statements in quotes are about business from the InspireCorps company, the message can be used for sports teams and family structure to help others give their best effort.

Will you put InspireCorps four core principles into what you do?

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Jim’s thirteenth book and the third in a series ‘Yet Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ will be published July 1^st. To get an advance and personally autographed copy with free shipping, please send a check for $20 to Jim Tunney Youth Foundation P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953 or use PayPal.

This offer is available to the continental United States only.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

 To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com. Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more. Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly. These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others. Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!