Jan 17, 2021
This week on the Way of Champions Podcast we welcome Ron Adams, Golden State Warriors Asst. Coach. Ron is in his second season as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, his 21st season overall on the bench as an NBA assistant. In his first year with the Warriors, Ron helped the team finish first in defensive rating (98.2) en route to an NBA Championship.
During our discussion, we dive into Ron's philosophy of being a great assistant coach, navigating hard conversations with players, and working on a staff where another assistant coach is trying to undermine the head coach.
Highlights and great quotes from the this episode:
- Ron talks about his journey as a coach
- "A good coach is someone who has a job."
- "There is no formula for good coaching."
- How has social media changed the halftime locker room experience?
- Why does Steve Kerr call Ron the "truth-teller"?
- What makes an assistant coach effective? ...what are your "ego needs"?
- How do you handle disagreements with the Head Coach?
- Having hard conversations with players
- Ron talks about his relationship with Kevin Durant
- How do you know when it's time to move on as an assistant?
More About Ron Adams
Adams, 68, owns previous coaching experience with Boston Celtics (2013-14), Chicago Bulls (2003-08, 2010-13), Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-2010), Milwaukee Bucks (1998-2003), Philadelphia 76ers (1994-96) and San Antonio Spurs (1992-94). During his time as an assistant coach, Adams has made 14 appearances in the NBA Playoffs. In addition to his coaching roles, the Laton, CA, native also served as a player personnel scout for the Portland Trail Blazers from 1996-98.
Adams joined the Warriors following a one-year stint (2013-14) with the Celtics. Prior to working in Boston, he had spent the previous three seasons on Tom Thibodeau’s staff in Chicago. The Bulls made the playoffs in each of those three campaigns, including a trip to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. During this most recent stint with the Bulls, the team ranked in the top-three in opponent scoring each season, leading the league in the category in 2011-12.
Before joining the NBA, Adams coached collegiately for 20 years
with head coaching stints at Fresno State (1986-90) and his alma
mater, Fresno Pacific (1972-75). He also served as an assistant
coach at U.S. International, UC Santa Barbara, UNLV and at both
Fresno schools.
Additionally, Adams has coached professionally in Belgium and
Japan, as well as for the Canadian national team.
Adams and his wife, Leah, have a daughter, Hayley, and a son, Jared
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