NBA bench bosses prioritizing health to help cope with grind

In LA, Walton is being proactive by encouraging every member of his staff to stay physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Recharge when necessary, according to individual needs.

"It's a priority," Lakers assistant Mark Madsen said. "It's important because think about all the late nights. We'll get into cities at 4 in the morning sometimes. You have to stay on top of it."

As a youngster, JB Bickerstaff knew there were a couple of hours in the afternoon on game days his father needed for himself. Bernie Bickerstaff took a power nap that allowed him to be fresh for a long night on the NBA bench.

JB now does it the same exact way as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The coaches association is providing support and guidance like never before, and many coaches are making a point to openly discuss wellness strategies and share ideas.

There's also a close-knit support system within this crop of coaches that Dallas' Rick Carlisle, the association's president, considers special.

"We also have a unique group of head coaches right now, guys that are extremely competitive but have great respect for one another and provide a high level of support for each other," Carlisle said.

"Guys are going through tough times with health and even things like losing streaks. We've got a very high character group."

For example, Clifford so appreciated a call he got last season from Kerr, each having gone through his own challenging health ordeal that kept him from the bench for an extensive stretch.

Clifford, then coaching the Charlotte Hornets, missed more than five weeks dealing with agonizing headaches that after a battery of tests were deemed to be caused by sleep deprivation.

Kerr has endured some of the most high-profile absences.

He missed the initial 43 games of the 2015-16 season - including a record 24-0 start - dealing with painful and confounding symptoms following a pair of back surgeries.

He was sidelined again for 11 games during the Warriors' 16-1 postseason in 2017 before returning to the bench for Game 2 of the NBA Finals as the Warriors wound up winning in five games against LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.