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In the NBA, versatility is prized on and off the court, and no one embodies it more than the league's Athletic Trainers. Gary Vitti, who was the Lakers’ head trainer from 1984 to 2016, stated:
“Pat Riley had a saying: ‘12 + 2 + 1.’ Twelve players, two coaches and the trainer. That was the inner sanctum. Everybody else was what he called ‘the peripheral opponent.’”
Once considered the “15th man” on the team, the Athletic Trainer's role has evolved from managing injuries and taping ankles to running sophisticated injury prevention programs and coordinating with growing medical teams.
Wizards assistant Athletic Trainer Carlos Bustamante said:
“From the training room to the weight room to the court, it’s all connected."
The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) celebrates its 50th anniversary this season, marking decades of advancement in injury care and player health.
Initially a small group dedicated to camaraderie and basic injury tracking, the NBATA now influences league policies and engages in complex health and performance analytics.
As the NBA expanded, so did the demands on trainers, with performance and medical teams now including dietitians, massage therapists, and mental health professionals.
This new era has emphasized individual care, and with that, a focus on collaborative care. Josh Corbeil, NBATA chairperson, explains:
“We have a voice. They consult us on policy changes and we get to affect how things are done.”
While these trainers go largely unnoticed by fans, their impact is felt by players and front offices alike.
Their legacy lies in every successful recovery, player back on the court, and sustained career—a reflection of dedication and expertise deserving of the highest recognition in sports.
Read the longer story on NBA.com!
