Dr. Andrew Paul named 2022-23 NBA Strength Coach of the Year

The National Basketball Strength and Conditioning Association (NBSCA) has named Dr. Andrew Paul the 2022-2023 NBA Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.

Andrew Paul is the Director of Performance and Rehabilitation for the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this position, Andrew oversees all aspects of the Strength and Conditioning and Nutrition programs. Being a physical therapist as well, Andrew heavily assists the Oklahoma City medical staff while leading therapeutic assessment and intervention strategies.

“AP is extremely deserving of the award,” said Daniel Shapiro, President of the NBSCA. “Not only is he an extremely loyal, hard working and talented performance coach, but he has an optimistic way and energy about him that people gravitate to and want to hear his prospective on whatever topic is at hand. I hope he stays active with our group for years while being a role model for future performance coaches.”

Prior to coming to Oklahoma City, Andrew worked as a Physical Therapist and Performance Specialist at EXOS in Gulf Breeze, FL where his primary clientele was members of the Special Operations Units in the Military. Andrew also spent over 6 years at the University of Missouri where he worked as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the football program as well as several Olympic Sports programs. Andrew received his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Missouri State University, is certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Missouri.

Andrew becomes the 2nd Strength and Conditioning Coach in OKC Thunder history to win this award. Dwight Daub won the award back in 2009 as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Thunder.

The NBSCA will formally present this award to Andrew this Thursday February 22, 2024 when the OKC Thunder play the Los Angeles Clippers in OKC.