NBA bench bosses prioritizing health to help cope with grind

Hectic travel, lack of sleep and social media stress cited as major hurdles for coaches

OAKLAND, California - Luke Walton began a wellness program for his Lakers coaching staff.

Steve Kerr reached out to Steve Clifford after each spent significant time away from the sideline because of debilitating headaches and other symptoms.

Coaches around the NBA are taking preventive measures to help deal with the grind and stresses of a long season.

That wasn't always the case, but now the NBA Coaches Association provides guidance to its members on everything from diet and exercise to sleep and mental health.

"Well, we're trying. We all are trying, we all are conscious of it," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said.

"I don't think we're very good at it, honestly. I know I've tried. It's still very hard to accomplish. The game consumes us. It consumes me at least, and it should, if you love it. It's just hard to turn off, but it's important. We have to do it. We should have been doing it all along."

After a late arrival in the Bay Area last month, it was after 10 pm when Rivers had the team tissue therapist work on his body, including knees and an ankle - "and my brain". He has consulted a sleep doctor, too.