March 24, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 76ers Sports Science Program – Mad Scientist Or Madly Innovative?

Here it comes. The vogue of professional athletes world wide. It seems if you aren’t into sports science by now, you just don’t get it. But when The Philadelphia 76ers hired Dr. David T. Martin as the team’s Director of Performance Research and Development, who or what are they getting? A mad scientist? Or someone who is madly innovative?

Perhaps a little of both.

You see, Martin is an American who studied up to the PhD level in Zoology and Physiology from the University of Wyoming in 1994. Following his degree, he spent 21 years working at the Advanced Institute of Sports (AIS) in Canberra, Australia. There he trained cyclists and olympic competitors in martial arts. The reason the PhD took on the task in Australia was simple: it was a new field and he was one of the original pioneers to generate the international excitement for the field. The 76ers are new to the program as well, and have agreed to bring on Martin to create the science in their basketball program in a similar fashion to Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly’s initiatives have brought the concepts to their football program. In this newly created role, Martin will oversee all aspects of the Sixers sport science, performance, training, rehabilitation and medical initiatives for the basketball team.|

On the team website, the general manager and reengineering PhD in his own right, Sam Hinkie, was quoted:

“Building up our sport science capabilities has been an important focus of the Sixers under Josh Harris and David Blitzer. To give our players every opportunity to be healthy and remain healthy, while also allowing them to perform at their best, we have made many investments – adding staff and integrating outside experts, partnering with pioneers in sports science and technology, and adjusting our day-to-day training, practice and recovery plans. But none like David Martin. He is a scientist. He is also a coach to some of the world’s highest performing, most resilient athletes and coaches. We are delighted to add someone of his immense talents to lead and grow our efforts.” – Sam Hinkie announcing the Martin hire June 29, 2015

While sports science is new to the Philadelphia 76ers, it is NOT new to the city of Philadelphia. Chip Kelly has become somewhat of a local celebrity merely from the individualized smoothies he has concocted for each of his football players. He monitors their exertion, their sleep patterns, and he individualizes that work and practice to coincide to the highs and lows of the individual’s energy cycles. Research has shown that repetition when the body is fatigued is a major contributor to soft tissue injury. So one of the innovations is to determine when that fatigue is taking place, and design the practice around those moments.

Martin was not an easy find. The search for the right candidate consumed a year’s time. It’s a new field, and as such getting the person with the right expertise of understanding the science and the ability to transform that science into applications that benefit a professional athlete is a rare combination indeed. In fact, it may have been head coach Brett Brown’s direction to look in Australia, where he had coaching experience at the turn of the century, that led the 76ers to Martin. But if Brown was the reason the 76ers hired Martin, why would Martin agree to take on the challenge of the rebuilding program in Philadelphia?

“The opportunity to work with the Sixers at this particular time is incredibly exciting for me. This organization has attracted an amazing group of high caliber leaders, innovators and coaches who are all focused on pursuing excellence in sport. The leadership group that is currently in place is fostering a positive culture that encourages a creative, forward-thinking approach. I can’t think of a better place to be – the mission and goals of the Sixers align very closely with mine and the people with whom I get to work are outstanding. I am looking forward to getting started, growing resources and expertise that will contribute to player readiness, providing competitive advantages and creating something special for the city of Philadelphia.” – Dr. David T. Martin

When you work in a new field, you look for ways to increase its popularity. The 76ers are a marquis opportunity for someone in the sports science field. And when you are an expert, you believe in yourself to the point where no challenge is too great.

Perhaps the answer is that it’s destiny. The 76ers and Martin are at the right place and right time for one another. Judging by the talent being amassed on the team by Sam Hinkie, this team is turning the corner. Will 2015 be the year? Will it take until 2016?

We’ll discuss that in the coming weeks. But for now, just mark June 29, 2015 down on your calendars. That is the date the Sixers announced the hiring of Martin. That could very likely be the moment that the fortunes of this team changed course for the better.