As I sat watching the EASL game last Wednesday, something remarkable caught my attention—Lassiter missing all four of his three-point attempts against Hiroshima. It wasn't just an off night for a player; it was a stark reminder of how much pressure rests on the shoulders of those we rarely see on camera: the NBA team owners. These individuals operate behind velvet ropes and boardroom doors, yet their decisions ripple through every missed shot, every trade, and every championship parade. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I’ve come to realize that understanding owners isn't just about their wealth—it's about their vision, their gambles, and their often-hidden influence on the game we love.
Let me take you back to a conversation I had with a sports analyst friend last year. We were discussing how owners like Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors have transformed franchises from mere teams into global brands. Lacob didn't just buy a team; he invested in a culture of innovation, pouring resources into analytics and player development. That's why, when I see a player like Lassiter struggle in an international game, I think about the owner's role in building a support system—or lack thereof. For instance, did you know that the average NBA franchise is now valued at over $2.5 billion, a figure that has skyrocketed by 150% in the last decade alone? Owners aren't just sitting on their fortunes; they're shaping the economic landscape of sports, from negotiating TV deals worth billions to leveraging social media for fan engagement. I remember attending a conference where an owner casually mentioned how a single draft pick could swing a team's valuation by millions—it's that level of detail that fascinates me.
But it's not all about money and metrics. In my view, the human side of ownership often gets overlooked. Take Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks, for example. He's known for his hands-on approach, sometimes even joining team huddles during timeouts. I've always admired that passion, even if it blurs the lines between management and mentorship. Contrast that with more reserved owners who prefer to operate from the shadows, and you'll see why team dynamics vary so wildly. When Lassiter had that rare slump in Hiroshima, I couldn't help but wonder about the owner's philosophy on player support. Does the team have sports psychologists on speed dial? Are there resources for international travel fatigue? These are the kinds of decisions that separate great owners from merely good ones. From my experience covering the league, I've noticed that the most successful owners—like the Buss family with the Lakers—blend tradition with innovation, creating environments where players can thrive even after a bad game.
Of course, not every owner gets it right. I've seen my fair share of missteps, like when an owner prioritizes flashy signings over long-term development, leading to inconsistent performances. That's where the real drama unfolds—in the boardrooms, not just on the court. Reflecting on Lassiter's four missed three-pointers, it's clear that ownership strategies can make or break a player's confidence. If I were in their shoes, I'd focus on building resilient systems rather than chasing short-term wins. After all, basketball is as much about psychology as it is about athleticism. As the NBA continues to globalize, with events like the EASL gaining traction, owners will face new challenges and opportunities. In my opinion, those who adapt—embracing data, nurturing talent, and connecting with fans authentically—will leave the deepest legacy. So next time you watch a game, spare a thought for the powerful figures behind the scenes; their stories are just as compelling as the action on the hardwood.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
