Scouting, by Tim Shea

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I have built my career in basketball from the ground up. I am a self-made pro player, international coach, NBA scout, and Director of Scouting. My colleagues in the NBA would refer to me as a “Lifer,” a testament to my dedication to the sport

Among all these roles, one element remains constant: SCOUTING.

Whether I was on the court as a player, guiding a team as a coach, scouting players, or overseeing my talent scouts as a director, scouting is the thread that weaves through my journey.

This role can be defined and described in various ways: Reconnaissance, Detective, Recruiter, Advance-man, Explorer, Evaluator, Lookout, Outpost, Patroller, Pioneer, Runner, Sleuth, Spotter, Spy, or Bird-dog.

On a personal level, it translated into an endless stream of Airports, Passport controls, Check-ins, Check-outs, Rental cars, Tournaments, Cold gyms, Hotel rooms, Restaurants, Credit cards, Cold beds, Airport lounges, Jet lag, Frequent flier points, Scouting reports, and Expense reports.

Years ago, while coaching and later as an NBA Scout/Director, I developed a personal scouting formula that streamlined the evaluation of potential prospects. I called it the SAIA rule, representing Skills, Ambition, Intelligence and Athleticism. In my view, these three qualities encapsulate everything a player does or fails to do, and they are abundant in nearly all NBA and top professional players—essential traits for achieving success in the sport.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. A common counterargument involves the legendary Larry Bird, who some might claim lacked athleticism. I agree; while Bird may not have been the most athletic player, his Skills, Ambition, Intelligence, and Ambidextrous ability more than made up for it.

In today’s game, Nikola Jokić serves as a modern-day example. Though not a high-level athlete, he, like Bird, compensates with remarkable coordination and basketball skills. One could argue that Jokić is the XXL version of Larry Bird.

I recently discussed Fred Weis, the towering seven-foot Frenchman selected by the NY Knicks in 1999. My assessment then, as it is now, is that he fell short in two critical aspects of my SAIA formula.

In 2002, during the draft in Phoenix, we chose Casey Jacobsen in the first round, who also exhibited weaknesses in one of my SAIA components, Athleticism. That same year, we picked Amar’e Stoudemire, who also lacked one element of my SAIA framework, that of Intelligence or Basketball IQ.

In the realm of professional scouting, there are essential criteria that must be considered and followed. Scouts initially and typically evaluate players by examining a blend of physical traits, basketball abilities, and intangible qualities.

Here are the key characteristics that are prioritized:

Physical Attributes

Height & Wingspan – Taller players with long wingspans have advantages in rebounding, shot-blocking, and defense.

Athleticism – Speed, agility, first step, vertical leap, and overall explosiveness are crucial.

Strength & Frame – The ability to withstand physical play and add muscle if needed.

Endurance & Conditioning – Stamina to maintain high performance throughout the game.

Basketball Skills

Shooting Ability – Consistent accuracy from mid-range, three-point, and free-throw line.

Ball Handling – Control and ability to create shots under pressure.

Passing & Court Vision – Ability to see plays develop and make smart passes.

Defensive Ability – Lateral quickness, on-ball defense, help defense, and shot-blocking.

Rebounding – Ability to track and secure rebounds, especially for big men.

Basketball IQ

Decision Making – Understanding when to pass, shoot, or drive.

Game Awareness – Recognizing defensive schemes, reading offenses, and adjusting accordingly.

Understanding of Team Concepts – Ability to fit within a system and execute plays effectively.

Intangibles

Work Ethic – Willingness to improve and put in extra work.

Competitiveness – Desire to win and ability to perform under pressure.

Coachability – Ability to take feedback and improve.

Leadership & Communication – Ability to lead a team and be vocal on the court.

Mental Toughness – Handling adversity, criticism, and high-pressure situations.

Positional Fit & Versatility

Position-Specific Skills – Centers should defend the rim, guards should handle and distribute, wings should be versatile.

Ability to Play Multiple Positions – The more roles a player can fill, the more valuable they become.

Fit with Team Needs – How well a player’s skills translate to a specific team’s playing style.

*Scouts must look at stats and analytics as they have become a top priority and according to some of my close, active NBA contacts in the modern game, have become the absolute #1 criteria in judging professional prospects. They focus and dissect how a prospective player’s abilities will “translate” to the NBA level.

My straightforward SAIA formula may not be perfect, but it has proven effective for me and I am confident that it encompasses all of these scouting traits, either directly or indirectly.

Skills covers exactly those BASKETBALL SKILLS,

Ambition addresses the majority of the INTANGIBLES,

Intelligence pertains to BASKETBALL IQ and POSITIONAL PLAY,

Athleticism relates to the PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES.

Clubs CRITERIA

In a follow-up piece I will provide the various components and criteria used in the NBA world when a player is “Draft eligible” or “Declares” himself eligible for the NBA draft.

The following aspects will be covered along with some historical anecdotes and stories experienced during my time in the NBA.

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