Turning an NBA dream into reality:

After graduation, he secured an internship with Relativity Sports under Relatively Media. However, two months into his summer internship, the media company (now known as ISE) went bankrupt, leaving Max without a job. Finding a way in the NBA without a reputation took him a year. The University of Arizona coaching staff recommended him to several front-office executives, but unfortunately, timing was not on his side. Max decided to take matters into his own hands and built a template with a high-level summary of his time as a student-athlete at Arizona, highlighting his relationships with his former teammates and providing insights on players. The goal was to get NBA teams on the phone and convince them of the job he wanted and what he could offer. Teams were interested in learning about potential draft players or free-agency players. He was resourceful and determined to find a way in, and his outreach and recommendations impressed the Dallas Mavericks. Upon starting his role with the Mavericks, Max demonstrated his superior skills that helped him transition within the front office in player development. He worked on the court with the players and day-to-day with the coaches.

Finding his passion:

Max worked in player development and developed close relationships with players, families, and agents, where he found his interest in the agency aspect of the business. Max appreciated and knew he had the skills to build deep relationships with clients, strategize off-season moves with players, and create a solid portfolio of athletes. Max applied the same approach he used to make it into the NBA to break into the sports agency industry. He sent cold emails to various agents and agencies listed on the NBA Player Association website. Jim Tanner was one of the agents who responded to Max and invited him for a meal just two days after the Dallas Mavericks signed Quinn Cooke, whom Jim represented. Jim informed Max that a basketball operations coordinator position would open up on his team in 2017. From there, Max moved to Tandem Sports and worked hard to build his knowledge and skillset from within, taking the lead in any way he could. Over time, Max became a registered agent. To those looking to work in sports, Max suggests finding their "value add" and making it as unique as possible to bring success to the company they want to work for, as he does at Tandem Sports. 

Successful agent’s characteristics:

Being a sports agent is a highly sought-after position with plenty of advantages and opportunities, but it's also quite challenging and demanding. Max, an experienced sports agent, believes that to be successful in this field, one must possess an abundance of drive and persistence, primarily when recruiting new talent. "You cannot be discouraged by the no's you receive," he advises. Rejection is expected in this profession, where you may recruit 10-15 players but only end up signing 2-3. There are numerous reasons a player may choose not to sign with you, such as deciding to go back to college or opting for a different agency. Those who take rejection too personally often struggle to stay in this business. "Take 24 hours to process the rejection, and then move on," suggests Max. Please don't dwell on them or let them discourage you from recruiting hard in the future.

Moreover, teamwork and transparency are vital in this profession. It is essential to be honest and truthful with everyone involved and to educate your clients on the pros and cons of each decision. Ultimately, the choice is theirs, by presenting all the information and allowing them to make the best decision for themselves, you can establish a strong working relationship built on trust.

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