An advance scout is typically traveling 2-3 games ahead of when his/her team is getting ready to play the opponent. Gathering all data such as play calls, frequency of calls, statistical information on team & players, new sets or wrinkles to old sets that may have been tweaked or changed, lineup changes or rotational information, player capsules that include strengths/weaknesses & tendencies. This information is used for game preparation. The Pro Personnel scout is doing a deep dive into everything and anything on every current NBA player. Depending on the experience of the player, the scout will evaluate his skill set for his particular position and project his NBA ceiling or floor. Projecting is often evaluated on players in years 1-3. After year 3 the scout is typically evaluating the players consistency or lack thereof and whether or not this player would fit/compliment his current roster. The pro personnel scout is also collecting a lot of personal background information such as character, work ethic, habits, behavioral characteristics, off the court interests, injuries, chemistry with his current team as well as coaches. The pro scout is essentially a professional detective. They go to the arena 1.5 hrs before the game starts to watch rookies and younger players workout. Watch how they work and how they communicate/interact with the coaching staff and even help staff if they are able to witness. The pro scout is asking a lot of questions to asst coaches, media members, staffers etc to try and find out as much information as possible. This information is very useful for the President/GM before the trade deadline, free agency and even at the NBA draft if a trade is brewing and the team needs information on a player they may acquire through this transaction. Relationships are critical for the pro scout. He/she must have relationships with coaches on every NBA team or have the ability to get really good information. The pro scout usually reports to the Director of Scouting or Asst GM. There are also structures where the Pro Personnel scout only reports to the GM. Most report to the Director of Scouting or Asst GM. The Advance scout reports to an asst coach on the coaching staff.
Below are examples of personnel reports that would be included in an NBA Advance report. As you can see this will include tendencies, stats, etc. There will be a report for every player on their team.



