In part 1 we outlined that “The Process” was about:
long term thinking
playing in the “right” game
playing in “games” you’re more likely to win
going where others won’t
I highly recommend clicking part 1 if you missed it.
Now… What else can Sam Hinkie teach us as coaches?
Here are some more lessons presented in a way that you can explore the rabbit holes yourself. I’m not going to have any of my own commentary in this one. The thoughts and connections you make exploring the rabbit holes will be your own today. Choose your adventure style.
Learn From Outside Sources and Be Aware of First Principles
“Whenever possible, I think cross-pollinating ideas from other contexts is far, far better than attempting to solve our problems in basketball as if no one has ever faced anything similar…. Get back on defense. Share the ball. Box out. Run the lanes. Contest a shot. These things are real and have been measured, precisely or not, by thousands of men over decades of trial and error.”
Related Reading: Learn from Outside Sources
Be Willing to Fail Unconventionally
In a world where skill and luck both influence results it’s better to build good processes than focus on good outcomes. If you subscribe to that you also have to be willing to be wrong but for the right reasons. That’s what happened to Hinkie. You have to be willing to fail unconventionally.
Related Reading: Lessons from The Queen’s Gambit
Go Where Others Won’t
If you want to succeed beyond your peers you have to be different from your peers. This requires the skill and persistence to see things others miss, do things others won’t, and argue well.
Related Listening: ESPN Podcast with Sam
You Can’t Unsee Power Laws
Power laws are everywhere. Leverage them where possible.
Related Reading: Trust the Power Law
Wrap Up
Those where some Hinkie-ism’s worth sharing. Let me know which one resonates the most with you.
And if you want to start thinking a bit more like Hinkie, check out this free guide.