In the spotlight of the NBA, where every action, quote or even gesture is dissected, there’s a voice of calm clarity cutting through the noise: Nora Elisabeth Van den Heuvel. A journalist and sports psychologist coming from the Netherlands, Nora Elisabeth is well versed in the psychological insights of the sport and media savvy, offering a perspective on the pressures faced by NBA stars.
When asked how her fascination with basketball began, Nora Elisabeth smiles warmly. “Even though my country is not a powerhouse in basketball, my older brother is a huge fan. So I grew up with basketball highlights and became addicted as well”, she explains. Her initial interest evolved into a deeper exploration during her time at Leiden and van Amsterdam, where she earned her degrees in Communication & Media and later in Sports Psychology. Her academic path naturally shaped her focus, steering her toward the intense psychological pressures athletes face, particularly in a high-stakes league, like the NBA, or the major international tournaments.
“Basketball is not just physical, there is no sport in the world where athleticism is the only important factor;” she elaborates, “psychology is, at least, as important. Players carry enormous expectations from fans, media, coaches, and themselves. This creates a unique environment ripe for psychological analysis”.
She highlights her interest in psychological strength and mentions specific cases that fascinated her early on in her research, including Michael Jordan’s legendary competitive mindset and more recently LeBron James longevity and consistent excellence. She insisted on the pressure they face daily. “I wanted to understand how they do it”, she reflects.
Nora Elisabeth’s work is deeper than most mainstream sports journalism. While reporters chase soundbites or dramatic moments, she digs into what lies beneath, such as a player’s mental state amid the media scrutiny.
“Players like Durant and Irving are incredibly talented, yet they often are under scrutiny from mass media and fans,” she explains. “Fans and media sometimes overlook that these athletes are humans first, and really vulnerable”.
Through her reporting and psychological analysis, Nora Elisabeth hopes to humanize players, making their struggles relatable to fans and fellow athletes alike. “When people see superstars as individuals, as humans who face immense internal pressures like themselves, it fosters empathy, which is really needed nowadays with social media and the anonymity it seems to give”, she reflects.
Expanding on this, Nora Elisabeth mentions that this is a bigger challenge for rookies and sophomores who are taking their first steps on the league, even more if they had a huge impact during their university years. “Some players have to handle massive anticipation and criticism when they start playing in the NBA, because they were dominating back in college, and when they step onto a professional court for the first time, they can’t stay at that level,” she elaborates.
Nora Elisabeth also has given a critical focus on the NBA’s booming betting culture. “It amplifies the pressure”, she notes. “Players don’t just carry their team’s expectations, they now shoulder the hopes and frustrations of millions who have money riding on their performance.”
She sees a direct correlation between the growth of online betting and the increased scrutiny on player performance. “Nowadays, every mistake isn’t just a game error, it’s analyzed as a financial outcome,” she states. Her perspective is especially valuable given her extensive background in psychology, allowing her to dissect how these dynamics affect player behavior and mental health.
Nora Elisabeth emphasizes the mental health impacts of this phenomenon. “We’ve seen players step away from the game temporarily, citing mental health issues,” she mentions, referencing Ben Simmons’ hiatus and mental health struggles. “The betting culture and media focus exacerbate stress and anxiety among players, creating an environment where mental health issues become prominent.”
When asked what she believes sets her apart from other sports journalists, Nora Elisabeth pauses thoughtfully. “I am not really sure… maybe it’s because I don’t just see games, I see the psychology, the mental battles players fight, the stories beneath the headlines… I might have a wider picture of everything they are going through,” she replies.
Her approach is gaining attention among NBA insiders. Coaches and trainers increasingly consults her insights to better understand their players’ mental states and handle the pressures of their high-profile roles. A few teams in the league have shown interest in psychological services, reflecting a broader NBA trend toward holistic player care.
“Sports psychology isn’t something new,” Nora Elisabeth insists, “but acknowledging and openly discussing the intense media-driven pressures athletes face is becoming more mainstream, just like the mental health of the general public, and I’m glad to contribute to that shift”.
