Jobs in the National Basketball Association, Are They Available in Today's Economy?

It's no secret that the country is in a recession. It's also no secret that the country is in an economic crisis. It's actually so well known, that both Presidential candidates have admitted it, and voters will be deciding who they basketball can fix the problem the best. This not an ideal situation for the country. The situation has had an adverse effect on the current job market. What's unknown is if the current economic situation will effect jobs in the sports world, most notably The National Basketball Association.

A good way basketball understand job opportunities in the NBA, is to look at the actual numbers of jobs for NBA teams. In an article by Newsok.com in August of 2008, a breakdown of available jobs in the NBA was outlined. As Mike Baldwin article reports:

-Basketball operations (Jobs 20 to 25 employees)

-Sales (Jobs 12-20)

-Marketing (Jobs 10-12)

-Broadcasting (Jobs 6-10)

- Guest relations,suite services (Jobs 4-8)

-Season-ticket retention (Jobs 3-5)

-Ticket operations (Jobs 3-4)

-Merchandising (Jobs 4-7)

-Events and entertainment (Jobs 6-10)

-Community relations (Jobs 4-6)

-Public relations (Jobs 3-5)

-Business development (Jobs 6-10)

-Business operations (Jobs 2-5)

-Information technology (Jobs 2-4)

-Human resources (Jobs 2-3)

-Finance Jobs (3-5)

As Baldwin's articles shows, there are roughly 90-140 jobs for each team's front office. This is a very, very good number and should be a great thing for job seekers to hear. The large number of positions in each front office allows for a great deal of openings for entry level job applicants.

While the large number of jobs for each front office is a good thing, another recent article indicates some bad news about jobs in the NBA. The league's commissioner, David Stern, reports that nearly a total of 80 or 9 percent of jobs will be cut. As he states, "We made the decision some months ago that the economy was going to be a bit wobbly so we began a belt-tightening." He added, "My guess is that by the time we tip off in a week or so, we will be down modestly in season tickets... We think we'll be up in revenue, but I just can't say for sure whether we'll be up or down in attendance because it's just so touch and go, because sports tickets are very disposable income. So we're not going to see a huge impact, but I dare say we will see some impact."

It's clear that Stern accepts that the economic situation is affect the leagues jobs, but overall he is not worried about the it affecting the league long term. My advice to job seekers is about the same. The current job market is affected, but given the large number of jobs (90-140) for each team (x 30 teams), a large number (2700-4200) of job openings are still available across the league. The only curve-ball I could see thrown into the mix would be a lack of improvement to the economic situation over the next four years of the presidency. That could, in turn have a long term negative impact on the league.

References:

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/11031102

http://newsok.com/article/3287957/

-Added by Terrence Mayrose-

The Los Angeles Lakers Show! Don't Miss It!

There may be no such thing as a lukewarm basketball fan, but if there is, it's surely not a Los Angeles Lakers fan. If you are a fan, and you've followed the Lakers for a while, you have witnessed some basketball the most amazing, edge-of-your-seat or on-your-feet performances in basketball history.

The history of the basketball goes all the way back to 1946, before the NBA came into existence. Then it was the National Basketball League, and the team started out as the Detroit Gems. They did not start shining, however, until they moved to Minneapolis and the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", and became - guess what? The Lakers. The team proceeded to win the national championship in their first season of play as the soon-to-be very well known Lakers.

The 1950's brought major triumphs and major disappointments. Players left or were traded for new ones, coaches came and went, and in general a lot of changes occurred, but out of six appearances in the Finals, the Lakers came away with the championship five times. They were definitely a team to be noticed!

It is kind of interesting that when the team moved to Los Angeles in 1960, the name remained the same, and they became the Los Angeles Lakers (despite the lack of lakes) and by golly, they have been ever since. They really started getting a lot of notice when Wilt Chamberlain became part of the team, and they went to the NBA Finals in 1962. Most fans will know the score on that one: the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics - not for the first time!

The Lakers got to the Finals eight times during the 1960's, and each time they fought a battle royal, but they lost, eight times. Did that faze them? Not so anyone would notice. They won 33 consecutive games in 1971, a record which still stands in every major professional sport. During the rest of the ?70's, aside from the excitement the team never failed to bring to the games, a couple of events stand out. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and later Earvin "Magic" Johnson were added to the mix of players, and TV commentator Pat Riley was hired as assistant coach. Riley moved up, of course, to the head coach position, and what a marvelous job he did!

The Lakers met up with the team that has become their arch rival again in 1984. The Boston Celtics beat them in the Finals, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set an NBA record anyway. When the Lakers and Celtics met at the 1985 Finals at Boston Gardens, the then 37-year-old Kareem provided a mighty assist, and the Lakers finally beat their nemesis on the Celtics' own turf. The victory celebration for players and fans was something to behold!

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers moved their home base from the Forum in Inglewood to the Staples Center in L.A., which seems to suit them. They also hired coach Phil Jackson who, as well as former coach Pat Riley, has set all-time records in the industry As the 2000's rolled on, the Lakers incorporated some moves they call the "triangle offense", and the excitement just kept happening. Shaquille O'Neal was awarded the Finals MVP for his third consecutive year, and coach Phil Jackson got his ninth Championship Head Coach award.

Throughout their history, the Lakers behind-the-scenes life has been fraught with drama and often dissension. There are a lot of stories that have never been told (and most likely never will be). What continues to be of most interest to their fans, however, is the way they rebound from disaster, and snatch victory from almost certain defeat.

The Los Angeles Lakers have gone through some "glory days" and some fairly dark nights; key players have suffered injury or just dissatisfaction and gone elsewhere, but sometimes returned, and coaches have been both mediocre and superb. This team has a lot of history, and it's all fascinating. The bottom line right now is: the Lakers just keep on winning!

Get yourself some tickets to see the Lakers at home, and join some starry company.Maybe the proximity of the Hollywood Hills has something to do with it, but fans of the Lakers don't seem to care too much where they sit at Staples Center. They're on their feet most of the time anyway, yelling along with thousands of other fans, "GO, LAKERS!"

By Matt Ryan, article sponsored by StubPass.com. StubPass sells Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, sporting event tickets, concert event tickets, theater tickets, NBA Tickets and more to your favorite events around the world.

Dwight Howard - Man Or Machine?

Could he become the best? Has he got the potential to develop into the best center of the league?

Dwight Howard. Young. Strong. Athletic. At his young age basketball Howard already dominates the league through his athleticness and power. Despite his strong attributes like dunking or rebounding the ball this young player still have so much room for improvement. Being the best dunk and rebounder of the league last year he still has great flaws to this game. Dwight Howard doesn't have a good jumpshot. He has too much turnovers. The turnovers will decrease with being more experienced in future. But him learning how to shoot the ball from 5 to 7 feet is a harder task for him to master. Being able to shoot the ball is uncharacteristic for his position but it always comes in handy especially with him being the go to guy for the Orlando Magic On offense. Because of him still being so young he has enough time to basketball his game a whole lot.

He showed he can compete with the great centers of the league almost only through his athleticness. Him consistently improving his game could make him into the most dominate center of all times. Though talking about this before hand this redundant, this article should point out what a great player he is. He also shines through his humor and good sportsmanship. Both of these features are great for becoming a great player in future.

It will be great to watch how he improves.

Are You Ready For Hoopfest?

How Staying Active Year Round Can Help You Represent Your Hoopfest Team ...

As the 20th Anniversary of 's Hoopfest quickly approaches, basketball courts all over town are seeing more action then usual.

While some players train year round, whether on the court or just keeping physically fit, others are dusting off their sneakers for the first time since last years big event. Besides keeping you on your A-game, staying active all year provides a lifetime of health benefits.

Need some reasons to stay in shape all year:

Increased Energy Levels - exercising on a daily basis increases the strength of your heart, providing more energy to the muscles where it is needed. Other muscles in your body, therefore, have to work harder, creating increased stamina levels resulting in more energy, which is definitely needed to excel in Hoopfest.

Improved Appearance - even if losing fat and toning your body was not your initial goal, your body will automatically thrive on your healthy habits. You will recognize leaner, longer muscles and a total positive effect on your body.

Fight Disease - by working out on a regular basis you fight many dangers that come with being overweight and out of shape, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.

Improve Daily Focus and Sleep - regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and give you a deeper sleep. A better nights sleep will result in the ability to concentrate better and stay focused longer during your day.

The Unique Strains Hoopfest Can Put On Your Body - If you have played Hoopfest in the past you know how strenuous this event can be. Playing basketball in the heat of the day on black pavement surrounded by 's best supporters is nothing to take lightly.

Training your body not only helps with the ability to handle long periods of activity but it will also help you to recognize your body's clues while playing in Hoopfest as to when you need more water, to take a break or even to push harder. By already being in shape you reduce your risk of injury.

Fun Places To Get In Shape And Stay In Shape For Hoopfest

It is easy around to stay in shape and also basketball it a family fun time, showing kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle and that it can be enjoyable too.

Here are some great ideas to get out and get moving in for Hoopfest:

Riverfront Park - walking, running, biking
Manito Park - walking, running, biking
Mt. - walking, running, biking, hiking, skiing
Centennial Trail - walking, running, biking, hiking
Wild Walls - indoor mountain climbing

The Bottom Line For Hoopfest 2009

Hoopfest is one of the basketball anticipated events of the year, and with it being the worlds largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament it should be.

There is still 2 months to prepare for this exciting occasion and plenty of good reasons to participate. So get out there, get active and have fun, after all, we are representing , so lets be prepared to do so!

Zach Hunt is a Spokane's get fit for Hoopfest expert personal trainer and owner of Physzique, a fitness coaching service in Spokane, WA. Go here: Personal Trainer Spokane for more fitness tips.