Becky Hammon’s 16-year WNBA career is coming to an end this fall, but she’s already taken the first step towards establishing her second career: coaching. But not just coaching anyone, as she’s been hired as an assistant by the San Antonio Spurs, making her the first female assistant coach in NBA history. The six-time WNBA All-Star caught the coaching bug last year after accepting an invite from Gregg Popovich to attend Spurs practices. Her presence at Spurs practices led to Coach Pop being asked if he thought women could coach men:
“I don’t see why not. There shouldn’t be any limitations. It’s about talent and the ability to do things. It’s not about what your sex is or your race or anything else.”
Hammon isn’t the first woman to find work with an NBA team, but she is the first to have a paid position sitting on a bench. Lisa Boyer was a volunteer for John Lucas’ Cleveland Cavaliers team in 2001-02, but didn’t travel with the team, while Natalie Nakase, currently the Los Angeles Clippers’ video coordinator, made her NBA bench debut as an assistant coach for the Clippers’ Summer League team.
Coach Pop released a statement Tuesday in response to Hammon’s hiring:
“I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff. Having observed her working with our team this past season, I’m confident her basketball IQ, work ethic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs.”
Hammond is the second assistant coach added to the Spurs’ staff this summer. European legend Ettore Messina is also signed on for the 2014-15 season.
[ESPN]
