Alex McKechnie: Decades of Excellence
Pioneering NBA Performance Through Innovation and Determination
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, where milliseconds and fractions of inches can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Alex McKechnie stands as a towering figure of innovation and excellence. Currently serving as the Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Toronto Raptors, McKechnie's journey from the East end of Glasgow to NBA champion to British Columbia Hall of Fame embodies the transformative power of passion, expertise, and relentless determination.
In the NBA you often hear about legendary coach Greg Popovich’s coaching tree. While not as large, Alex McKechnie boasts an equally impressive reach around the league. Alex has worked with or mentored 8 physios in the NBA spanning 5 different teams.
Alex’s contribution to the world of physiotherapy cannot be understated. He is a pioneer in the world of both sport and orthopedics. Not only an advocate for the necessity of Physiotherapy and the importance of including of physical therapists on NBA medical teams, he is also an outspoken advocate and ally for women in sport.
The Journey: From Easterhouse to Excellence
The story begins in Easterhouse, a tough neighborhood in Glasgow, Scotland, where young Alex McKechnie grew up. Alex credits his parents, Betty and Alex McKechnie with instilling in him his strong work ethic. "I've probably worked every day of my life since I was 14 years old," McKechnie reflects. From delivering newspapers to working in ice cream trucks that served as mobile corner stores, he developed a strong work ethic early on. While playing football (soccer) with the Boys Brigade team, McKechnie harbored dreams of a professional career, but fate had other plans.
A serious car accident involving his father and brother introduced McKechnie to the world of physiotherapy, where he discovered his true calling—not as an athlete, but as someone who could help athletes reach their full potential. "I knew I wasn't good enough to play football at that point," he recalls, "so I figured the next best thing would be to work within it."
McKechnie's path to physiotherapy was not straightforward. In Scotland's educational system at the time, students faced the "11-plus exam" at age 11—a test that effectively determined their future educational track. Thanks to a perceptive teacher who "recognized something," McKechnie successfully navigated this early hurdle. Alex was encouraged by his parents Betty and Alex to pursue higher education. After briefly starting an engineering program ("I was there for six weeks. No, thank you," he quips), he was accepted into physiotherapy school at Leeds at age 18.
His education launched him into a career that began in Vancouver, Canada. Arriving five decades ago, September of 1974, with only $300 in his pocket, he joined the Canadian and British Columbia Physiotherapy Associations and got a job at Lion’s Gate Hospital. After a brief stint there, he was the first physiotherapy hire at Simon Fraser University where he treated varsity athletes and later the players from the newly formed Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Alex worked at Simon Fraser from 1974- 1977. It was here that McKechnie began developing the expertise and innovative approaches that would eventually catch the attention of many professional athletes and sports teams.
In Vancouver, McKechnie became a key figure consulting with the Whitecaps, the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL, and acting as the Physio for the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team. During this time Alex started his own sports physio practice in Burnaby BC. He ran this clinic from 1977 until 2000, eventually giving it up to pursue full time work in the NBA. Alex got his start in the NBA in 1997, consulting for the Lakers on a star player with a persistent injury. It did not take long for the Lakers to hire him full time. Alex would go on to win five championships with the Phil Jackson-lead Los Angeles Lakers. Three of the championships were led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant and the other two with Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.
In 2011, McKechnie joined the Toronto Raptors as the Director of Sports Science and would later go on to become the Vice President of Health and Performance. He won his sixth NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019. He played a pivotal role during that championship run keeping Toronto’s star healthy. His influence on player health and performance has reshaped the landscape of professional sports.
“Since I was 16 years old Alex McKechnie has been my PT / exercise guru. Over the years he has helped me recover from some serious injuries and given me the knowledge of how to train and perform at my best. Most importantly, Alex has taught me exercises that prevent injuries, maintain balance and power in the core and keep the body strong and powerful.
Every day I use his core x system and training philosophies to prepare to surf, snowboard or lift at an optimum level. I will be forever grateful to Alex for what he did for my hockey career and for the lifelong friendship that we share.”
-Paul Kariya
An Innovator in Sports Medicine
McKechnie's approach to physical therapy stands apart, influenced by his brief encounter with engineering studies. "I see things in three dimensions," he explains. "I don't see a flat surface. I can almost see it from behind." This unique perspective, combined with his analytical mindset, has shaped his innovative treatment methods, and set him apart from other practitioners.
During his early career, McKechnie observed a common thread among athletes suffering from ACL injuries: the connection to core strength and pelvic control. His interest led him to develop the Core Board, a strengthening tool that would be licensed by Reebok. McKechnie’s innovations did not stop there. He continued experimenting with techniques that combined his physiotherapy expertise and athletic performance knowledge, from using elastic resistance bands to integrate PNF patterns into core movement patterns to devising the Core X System for elite athletes.
His breakthrough moment came in 1997 when the Los Angeles Lakers reached out for help with Shaquille O’Neal’s abdominal injury. McKechnie had worked his magic with NHL star Paul Kariya, and the Lakers were eager to bring that expertise to Shaq. Alex was hired by the legendary Jerry West and Mitch Kupchak to work full time for the Lakers. As part of the medical staff Alex, who was the Athletic Performance Coordinator, worked alongside trainers Gary Vitti and Chip Schaffer to help Shaq return to MVP form, and winning 5 rings along the way.
“He is the resurrector," Mr. O'Neal said of Mr. McKechnie in 2003. "He brought me back. I was dead, and he brought me back.”
“Shag got better, and I became a better athletic trainer…his talent and experience went beyond the core training that helped Shaq return to play. He is the best manual therapist I know and he taught me many mobilization techniques. In addition to his talent Alex knew how to fit in. He had a good presence in the locker room that commanded respect. You got the best out of Alex whether you were a Superstar or scratching to stay in the league.”
-Gary Vitti
Leadership and Philosophy
“Alex McKechnie was with the LA Lakers for over a decade when I was head coach. Early into my tenure there, my trainer from Chicago, Chip Shaefer, came into my office and told me that I should hire Alex cause he was a genius with his therapy. The season before, Shaq had strained his abdominal muscles and missed a number of games, hence the search for a specialist. We hired Alex and he fit right in rehabbing all of our players. My last year with the Lakers in 2011, after the last game, (82) I went around the locker room and congratulated all the players that played the 82 games. We had seven of our players that we there for every game. I credited Alex and the staff for keeping the Lakers able to complete the full season. Personally, Alex has worked with me during some of the off-season operations that I had during those ten years, which included both hips and the rehab. He was always a good conversationalist and a terrific therapist.”
-Phil Jackson
McKechnie's role has evolved from hands-on practitioner to visionary leader. His leadership style reflects his belief in empowering those around him. Drawing inspiration from legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson, he understands that leadership is not about imposing one's will, but rather about the art of letting go and trusting your team. In his role with the Raptors, McKechnie spends his time guiding a performance team that embodies collaboration and mutual respect. He believes that effective communication and shared goals are key to a cohesive and successful team.
The BUILD Framework
McKechnie discussed his framework for program and team success he calls BUILD:
B - Basic foundational principles never change
“If I'm building a house, I have to put a foundation in. That's a basic principle. Joints move, so we better move them. Muscles move joints, so you better work them. Those are just the facts.”
U - Utilization of available skill sets
“It's the utilization of your skill set, and the skill sets of people around you that make me better, make the program better, make your group better, make the team better, make the house better. I'm building a house, I need an architect, I need an electrician, I need a plumber, I need skill sets that help, that are necessary.”
I – Maintain professional identity and integrity
“Ultimately, you create an I, as in B U I, which is your identity. And over the years, the core thing became my identity, during that period, obviously. However, as you create your path, you can't ever sacrifice your integrity.”
L – Focus on longevity in career development
“It’s your identity and integrity that gives you L, which is longevity.”
D – Focus on diversity in approach and execution
“It is longevity that gives you the ability to diversify your skill set and career path. And it's that identity that allows you to do that. But you know what? You must always deliver. Build basic principles.”
He believes that it is essential for physiotherapists to first gain experience across a wide range of clinical practice to succeed in the NBA. He stresses critical path thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate and connect with everyone—from players to staff members—within the organization. “It's not about textbook knowledge alone," he emphasizes. "It's about applying that knowledge creatively and effectively in real-world situations, and under pressure."
Evolving Physiotherapy
“I had worked in professional sports for 10 years before I met Alex. His ability to treat, train, listen and create a relationship with his client to help them achieve their goals was the best I have ever encountered. I felt very fortunate that our paths crossed when they did.
Alex is a friend now but easily the best physio I have ever met, and he has hands of gold to go along with a great personality and sense of humour. I only wish I could have taken him back to England. I genuinely think he could work in any sport and have any job in the world in his field”
-Owen Hargreaves, Manchester United
McKechnie sees the profession of physiotherapy continually evolving in Canada where physiotherapists have primary care status and an established role in mainstream medicine. He believes that continuing to strengthen educational training, particularly in strength and conditioning and sports science, is crucial for the profession’s future. McKechnie sees the establishment of the National Basketball Physical Therapy Association as a crucial step forward for the profession. "Identity. Number one thing. Be recognized for your skill set and identity," he emphasizes when discussing the association's importance.
While McKechnie has enjoyed a long and successful career, he acknowledges the challenges that come with balancing a demanding job and personal life. Alex is married to his wife, Sandy, and has two daughters, Alexis and Danielle, and he acknowledges he would be unable to do this without their support and sacrifice.
With summers once free for family, the modern NBA’s year-round grind can take a toll. He advises younger therapists to prepare for the sacrifices and understand that the job is about more than the prestige; it’s about resilience, flexibility, and a true commitment to the profession
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, McKechnie offers candid advice about the realities of working in professional sports. "People only see it when the lights come on" he notes, emphasizing that the glamour of game nights represents only a small part of the job's demands. He strongly advocates for extensive clinical experience before entering professional sports, recommending at least 7-8 years of clinical practice. "You've got to get your reps in" he insists. "You've got to be able to think that you've seen everything, but you've never seen everything." Beyond technical expertise, McKechnie emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections with everyone in the organization, from star players to facility staff. This approach has earned him respect throughout his career and contributed to his longevity in the league.
“Alex is a brilliant Physical Therapist and movement specialist. He helped me immensely overcoming an injury early in my career and taught me to move more efficiently.”
-Steve Nash, NBA All Star and Hall of Fame
“It’s an honour to work with him. He’s a legend,” said OG Anunoby, who worked with McKechnie closely as he came back from an emergency appendectomy on the eve of last year’s playoffs. “He’s probably the best, he’s for sure the best at what he does. He’s real detail-oriented, he focuses on the little things, stuff I wouldn’t even think about he’s telling me to focus on, and it makes a difference.”
Legacy and Future Impact
As one of the first physical therapists in the NBA, McKechnie witnessed and contributed to the profession's growth within the league. His support for the NBA Physical Therapy Association reflects his commitment to establishing a lasting framework for future generations of sports physical therapists. McKechnie's vision for the profession's future includes continued integration of physical therapy expertise into leadership roles within NBA organizations. His career path has helped pave the way for physical therapists to take on expanded roles in player health and performance management, setting a precedent for future practitioners in professional basketball.
Alex McKechnie’s story is one of hard work, innovation, and leadership. His career has not only shaped the performance and health of countless professional athletes but has also paved the way for future generations of physiotherapists to thrive in the world of professional sports.
As he continues to lead the Toronto Raptors, McKechnie remains an inspiration to those around him, demonstrating that with the right mindset, dedication, and teamwork, the possibilities are limitless.
