As I sat watching last Wednesday's EASL road game against Hiroshima, something fascinating caught my attention beyond the court action. While Lassiter was having that rare slump where he missed all four of his three-pointers, I found myself thinking about the invisible hands shaping these moments—the NBA team owners whose influence extends far deeper than most fans realize. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've come to understand that what happens during those 48 minutes of gameplay represents just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how team ownership impacts every aspect of professional basketball.
The financial muscle behind NBA franchises has reached staggering proportions in recent years. When Steve Ballmer purchased the LA Clippers for $2 billion back in 2014, many considered it an overpayment. Looking back now, that seems like an absolute steal considering franchise valuations have skyrocketed, with some teams now worth over $3 billion. What fascinates me most isn't just the numbers though—it's how these owners leverage their wealth and connections to create competitive advantages that extend well beyond simple roster construction. I've noticed how owners like Joe Tsai of the Brooklyn Nets use their global business networks to establish training facilities and scout international talent in ways that significantly impact team performance. The recent EASL game against Hiroshima perfectly illustrates this—while Lassiter's shooting struggles made headlines among basketball analysts, the deeper story was about how team ownership structures enable participation in these international competitions that serve as both revenue streams and talent pipelines.
Owners don't just write checks—they shape organizational culture in ways that directly affect on-court performance. I've observed how Mark Cuban's hands-on approach with the Dallas Mavericks creates a distinct environment compared to more detached ownership models. This cultural influence extends to how teams handle player development during slumps like Lassiter's recent 0-for-4 three-point performance. Some owners would push for immediate roster changes, while others understand the value of patience and specialized coaching. From my perspective, the most successful owners recognize that basketball operations require specialized knowledge they might not personally possess, which is why they hire the right people and then provide resources without micromanaging. The financial commitment extends beyond player salaries to include everything from sports science departments to nutritionists and mental health professionals—all investments that owners must approve and fund.
The globalization of basketball represents another area where owner influence proves crucial. When I analyze how teams like the Golden State Warriors have established international academies and partnerships, I see strategic thinking that goes far beyond seasonal performance. These initiatives require significant capital investment and long-term vision that only committed ownership can provide. The EASL competition itself exists because owners recognize the untapped potential in Asian markets and understand that occasional player slumps during international travel are worth the long-term brand-building benefits. What many fans don't realize is that decisions about participating in these overseas competitions involve complex calculations about revenue sharing, media rights, and market penetration—all areas where owners bring their business expertise to bear.
Political and community influence represents another dimension of owner power that often goes underappreciated. Having followed how owners like the Memphis Grizzlies' Robert Pera work with local governments on arena deals and community initiatives, I've seen firsthand how this off-court maneuvering creates stability and goodwill that translates into home-court advantages. These relationships affect everything from tax incentives that free up more money for player salaries to development projects that make cities more attractive to free agents. While fans focus on draft picks and trades, the real game-changing moves often happen in boardrooms and city council meetings where owners operate.
Reflecting on Lassiter's difficult night in Hiroshima—missing all four of his three-point attempts in that rare slump—I'm reminded that what we see during games represents just the visible outcome of countless decisions made by owners and their organizations. The resources allocated to sports psychologists, shooting coaches, and recovery specialists all trace back to ownership priorities and philosophies. In my view, the most impactful owners understand that their role combines business acumen with basketball passion in measures that vary according to their personalities and expertise. As the NBA continues to evolve into a global entertainment powerhouse, the influence of these owners will only grow, shaping not just which teams win championships but how basketball develops worldwide. The next time you see a player struggle through a shooting slump, remember that the solutions—and the patience to implement them—often originate far from the court, in the offices and boardrooms where owners make decisions that ripple through every aspect of the game we love.
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.
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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
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