San Antonio Spurs head coach and president Greg Popovich had a stroke back in November and will not coach again this season. Popovich hopes to return to coaching, but Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon would be a great replacement if not.
Hammon was a longtime assistant under Popovich from 2014 to 2021 and was widely respected within the organization before leaving to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, where she’s won two championships. Her success in the WNBA and previous experience in the Spurs system make her a logical candidate if the job opens up.
Hammon has the qualifications to be a head coach in the NBA. During her college career with the Rams at Colorado State, she was a three-time All-American point guard, setting records in points, points per game, field goals made, three-point field goals made, free throws made, and assists.
Despite going undrafted in the WNBA, Hammon’s resilience and determination led her to sign with the New York Liberty in 1999 to back up Teresa Weatherspoon. She spent eight seasons with New York and made three all-star teams. The former Colorado State star was a favorite in New York because of her hard play on both sides of the floor.
In 2007, Hammon was traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars. She had her best season as a WNBA player, averaging 19.5 points per game and 5.0 assists per game. With the Silver Stars, Hammon earned the nickname “Big Shot Becky” for her ability to make big shots.
Hammon’s achievements in the WNBA are a testament to her skill and dedication. As a six-time All-Star, she has been recognized as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All-Time and WNBA Top 20@20. Her time with the Silver Stars and her stints in the NWBL playing for the Tennessee Fury and Colorado Chill further solidify her as a basketball icon.
Hammon became an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Her time with one of the best coaches in the NBA, Popovich will pave the way for her to be a good NBA coach. Hammon played the point guard position, like having a coach on the floor, and she played it at a high level.
In 2015, Hammon became the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League. That Summer, Hammon coached the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title. Hammon is more than ready to be a head coach in the NBA but has a great job with the Aces.
Hammon is nearing the end of her contract with the Aces, so another big payday could be coming her way. Las Vegas will try to lock Hammon up, so it will be interesting to see what happens next.
