Can I Get a Job in the NBA? A Realistic Look at NBA Career Paths

Okay, let’s be real: the NBA is a dream job for so many people, right? It’s the ultimate goal for aspiring basketball players and fans alike. But can you actually get a job in the NBA? Is it possible, or is it just one of those things we fantasize about but never realistically pursue?

Well, I’ve thought about this a lot myself—especially after a conversation with my buddy Jake, who’s obsessed with basketball and often asks me, “Dude, how do I get into the NBA?” (I mean, he’s 5’10” and can barely dunk, but I get his enthusiasm!) So, here’s a deep dive into what it really takes to work for the NBA, whether you want to play, coach, or work in another capacity.

First Things First: It’s Not All About Playing

Let’s address the obvious: being a player in the NBA is the dream. But you and I both know the competition is insane, right? Thousands of players worldwide, and only 450 spots available. Only 0.03% of high school athletes make it to the NBA. So, the odds? Yeah, they’re tough.

But! That doesn't mean the NBA is out of reach for you. Far from it. The truth is, there are countless ways to get a job in the NBA without being a professional player. And honestly, that’s where most of the jobs are!

1. NBA Scouts, Coaches, and Trainers

Okay, let’s talk about some of the behind-the-scenes careers in the NBA. If you're passionate about basketball but not quite at the pro level (hey, I feel you), you might consider becoming a scout, a coach, or a trainer. These roles are essential to the success of NBA teams, and while they still require expertise, they don’t require you to be a LeBron-level athlete.

• Scouts are the eyes and ears of the NBA. They're the ones who evaluate talent, watch players in high school, college, and overseas, and provide recommendations to teams. I know a guy, Alex, who works as a scout for a European team, and while it didn’t happen overnight, his deep knowledge of basketball and years of networking got him in.

• Coaching is a whole different beast. To become an assistant coach or head coach, you'd need to work your way up the ranks, starting with lower-level teams, colleges, or even as an assistant in the NBA G-League. The NBA has a ton of opportunity for those with serious coaching credentials and experience.

• Trainers and medical staff are also in high demand. A few years ago, a friend of mine, Sara, went back to school to study sports medicine. Now, she’s working with a team’s physiotherapists in the NBA. Pretty cool, huh?

2. Team Management and Operations

Now, if you’re more of a business or operations person than a basketball junkie, there are plenty of opportunities to work in team management, operations, or marketing.

• Management roles in the NBA might involve running team logistics, organizing travel schedules, or coordinating events. These positions generally require a strong background in business and sports management. If you’re passionate about the business side of things and enjoy working with teams, this is an awesome route.

• Marketing and branding are crucial to an NBA team's success, and they need creative minds to help push their social media presence, partnerships, merchandise, and media relations. This job might be perfect for someone who loves the game but is more interested in behind-the-scenes work rather than athletic performance.

• And if you’ve got a flair for analytics? Well, the NBA LOVES data. Teams hire analysts to help evaluate player performance, stats, and even predict game outcomes. If you’re good with numbers and basketball, analytics might be your way in.

3. Working with the NBA Directly

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the bigger picture, working with the NBA itself (and not just one of the teams) is another option. The NBA is a multi-billion-dollar organization with tons of jobs in various sectors: marketing, PR, digital media, partnerships, and more.

A good friend of mine, John, landed a job in the NBA’s social media team a few years ago. It wasn’t a quick path, though. He started working with local basketball leagues, built his social media presence, and networked like crazy. It wasn’t until he got noticed by an NBA recruiter that he got his foot in the door.

4. The NBA G-League

Okay, so if you’re looking to play basketball, but the NBA’s a bit of a stretch, there’s always the NBA G-League. It’s the official minor league of the NBA, and it serves as a stepping stone for younger players looking to make it to the big league. Many NBA players started in the G-League, and if you’re serious about basketball, this could be your first step toward that dream job.

But even if you’re not an athlete, there are still plenty of non-player roles in the G-League. They need coaches, trainers, front-office staff, and more. In fact, some of the most well-respected NBA figures today started out in the G-League in some capacity.

5. Building Your Network and Resume

So, what does all of this really boil down to? Well, networking and experience. Like any career, working in the NBA isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about connections. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who tried to land NBA jobs, and what they all said was this: start small, network constantly, and prove yourself.

If you’re serious about working in the NBA, here’s what I’d suggest:

• Start with internships (even unpaid ones) or entry-level positions with local teams or organizations.
• Volunteer at events like camps or tournaments. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s how you build a network.
• Get a degree (or take courses) in sports management, marketing, or another relevant field. It’ll make you stand out.
• Always be up-to-date on the latest trends, stats, and news in basketball. It’s a fast-moving world, and showing that you know your stuff is a huge bonus.

Can I Get a Job in the NBA? Yes, But...

Honestly, yes, you can get a job in the NBA, but it’s competitive as heck. If you're looking to play, the odds are tough, but not impossible (hey, dreams do come true). However, if you’re looking to work in another capacity—whether that’s coaching, management, media, or operations—there are a ton of opportunities.

It won’t happen overnight. But if you’re passionate, persistent, and willing to put in the hard work, the NBA is definitely within reach. So, what are you waiting for?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.