The Kevin O'Connor Show Player development deep-dive, Embiid’s resurgence, CP3's legacy & more with Drew Hanlen
Feb 18, 2026
Drew Hanlen, NBA skills coach who trains stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, shares behind-the-scenes stories and coaching approaches. He breaks down Embiid’s midseason resurgence and rehab. He explains player development strategies, shot selection, and how teams use tracking data. He also tackles tanking, Chris Paul’s legacy, and the future of defensive skill training.
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Return Only When Fully Ready
- Let injured stars return only when fully themselves, not on a fixed date.
- Drew Hanlen says the plan for Jason Tatum was always return when he's 100% healthy.
Win The Possession Battle
- The Celtics win by controlling possession margins: turnovers, rebounding and efficient shots.
- Drew credits Joe Mazzulla's system for prioritizing those small edges.
Diagnose Player Plateaus Holistically
- Diagnose plateaus across skill, physical, mental and emotional pillars.
- Address the missing pillar (often confidence or shot work) to return a player to peak form.