NZ Warriors learn from Sean Marks
Cameron George and Mark Robinson both said they got a lot out of meeting the basketball icon, writes David Long.
Warriors CEO Cameron George and owner Mark Robinson have returned from a fact-finding mission to America, where they spent time with New Zealand basketball legend Sean Marks.
Marks is the general manager of the Brooklyn Nets and has led a transformation of the club from one that was an embarrassment, to become playoff contenders in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
The purpose of the trip was to examine how to build a successful culture and winning environment, as well as looking at improving the game-day experience.
‘‘There are some wonderful things in place over there, both inside and outside sporting environments,’’ George said.
‘‘So Mark wanted to explore them more, in order to make us the best recovering team, in the quickest time, in the NRL.
‘‘We sent the physiotherapist Rob Knight to a couple of locations to explore and understand technology and new techniques around recovery and rehab.
‘‘Then Mark and I were fortunate enough to spend time at the Brooklyn Nets, meet with Sean Marks and explore the facilities.
‘‘That’s because from our perspective, if we can create a better environment for the players and staff to perform, both in training and playing, the outcomes for our fans are going to be much better.
‘‘It was a really good eye opener to see what the best do, but equally we both walked away knowing we weren’t far away in terms of the facilities, but were clear on the fact that it comes down to the people who walk through the door.’’
‘‘What we learnt is that our facilities are as good as anyone’s,’’ added Robinson.
‘‘There are a few bits and pieces that we need to improve on, like lighting, to make it brighter, so that it’s like daylight.
‘‘The main thing for me was the environment in the changing rooms before games, with what the Brooklyn Nets were doing,’’ he added.
‘‘It was a nice place to be before you start playing and it energised you.
‘‘That’s what we need here, so they’re not just walking into a dark room.
There are similarities between what Marks has done at the Nets and what the Warriors management are trying to achieve.
Marks has been widely acknowledged as masterminding a remarkable turnaround from a franchise that had traded away all their picks for the foreseeable future when he came in.
Now he has Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving next year to spearhead a quality and deep team with a good head coach in Kenny Atkinson. He is now known as one of the most adept GMs in the NBA.
Marks led a massive overhaul of staff as well as players at the Nets and brought in people who share the same vision as him.
The Warriors are heading down a similar path. Brian Smith (general manager of football) and Alex Corvo (high performance manager) have both gone, while there should be significant changes to the roster.
But George and Robinson want to empower those at the club. If players and staff give 100 per cent, they’ll back them all the way, but if they’re not prepared to give everything, they’ll be out the door.
‘‘Everyone everywhere across the organisation has got to get it right and be up on their toes and positive about the future,’’ George said.
‘‘We discussed that at length with Sean, around how he’s changed the culture of the Nets, and also their recruitment strategies and everything like that.
‘‘But it all came down to the type of people they were employing.’’
‘‘I think we’ve got the right people here,’’ added Robinson.
‘‘We’ve just got to give them more rein to do their jobs to help people be the best. If those people don’t want to be, then it’s mine and Cameron’s problem to get rid of those people in the footy team.
‘‘What we’ve learnt is that the better people you have, if you give them enough reins to be the people they should be, then I think we’ll have a successful club.
‘‘You’ve got to let people do their jobs.’’
There is a different feeling around the Warriors now. The corporate atmosphere Eric Watson created has gone and so too are the mixed messages from when the Trust and Autex tried to run the club together.
Robinson hasn’t bought the Warriors to make his fortune, he’s already achieved that. He’s driven by passion, he loves being involved in the club, and likes walking around Mt Smart Stadium talking to players and staff.
‘‘People are going to be a bit wary to start with,’’ Robinson said. ‘‘But I think they’re getting a handle on it, because I turn up three days a week or whatever and walk around talking to everyone, having a laugh, like I do at my own business.
‘‘People there know we have a laugh, but we get the job done and I’m trying to put everyone at ease.
‘‘Cameron does a good job with that, but when I’m in here I want them to treat me as a normal person, not as the guy who owns the place. I want there to be a culture where people are happy and relaxed, but the No 1 thing is that we get the job done.’’