Performance director will dive into team data
is making the transition from Major League Soccer to the NBA.
The Orlando Magic recently hired Tenney to work as their high performance director — a new position created by the front-office tandem of President of Basketball Operations
and GM
Tenney had worked for MLS’ Seattle Sounders since 2009.
What, exactly, will the Magic’s new high performance director do?
For one thing, he’ll analyze the data collected from technology that tracks players’ movement and health.
“The landscape is changing very radically in the NBA,” Weltman said. “A lot of teams ... are going towards the model of how do you make sense of the massive amounts of information that is being generated and collected now through abovethe-court cameras, through wearable technology.
“All of these things are creating loads of data that we have to figure out a way to process and incorporate into our actual medical approach to treating our athletes. And so what a sports scientist, a high performance director, is there to do is to synthesize all of that information and create a plan for all of our players both short- and long-term according to that information.” but it was just a little precaution thing. I’m fine. I’m good.” Swingman
didn’t practice Thursday due to a tight hip flexor.
another swingman, missed some practice time Thursday morning and all of Thursday night’s session with back tightness.
Center turned 25 years old Thursday.
To celebrate, Magic players asked the rookies (including Birch) to sing “Happy Birthday” after the day’s first practice.
To record the event, veteran players asked a nearby camera crew to walk onto the court to film the singalong. Birch and power forward
are competing for the 15th, and final, spot on the regular-season roster.
Ross was asked whether coach seems any different this season.
“Yeah, he’s got the beard going,” Ross answered. “He’s got the haircut going.”
True: Vogel grew a beard during the offseason and has continued to wear it.
The Magic practiced twice on Thursday. “We’re just putting in one or two new plays each practice and growing our offensive package and one or two new defensive coverages,” Vogel said.
The team is scheduled to work out once today and then have Saturday off.