When Becky Hammon took over the head coaching reins for the Spurs on Wednesday night following Gregg Popovich‘s ejection, she was focused on trying to “win the game” rather than the historical significance of the moment, as Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News writes. However, after the game, she was able to appreciate the fact that she had become the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA game.
“Obviously, it’s a big deal,” Hammon said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “It’s a substantial moment. I’ve been a part of this organization, I got traded here (as a WNBA player) in 2007, so I’ve been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organization with the Stars and everything for 13 years. So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better.”
The Spurs weren’t able to come back and knock off the defending champion Lakers in Hammon’s unexpected head coaching debut, but San Antonio players were happy to see her get a chance to run the show in Popovich’s absence.
“Any player who knows the history of women’s basketball knows what she meant to the sport,” Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan said. “You don’t think twice about it. She’s one of us. When she speaks, we are all ears.”
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- One of Josh Richardson‘s agents, Bill Duffy, tells Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News that his client’s fit in Philadelphia last season was “awkward” and that he and fellow agent Erik Kabe asked the Sixers about exploring trade options this offseason. “Josh has an opt-out after this year,” Duffy said. “So Erik and I were pretty candid with Philly that it was pretty unlikely he’d return, ‘so maybe you should have discussions.'” The Mavericks were Richardson’s preferred landing spot, and Dallas and Philadelphia were able to work out a deal that Duffy views as a “win-win.”
- As they incorporate new additions Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe, the Pelicans are working on improving their chemistry – especially on offense – following a condensed offseason, writes Christian Clark of NOLA.com. “It’s different from every other year because of the time,” Adams said. “Still man, it’s not impossible. Chemistry is just a weird thing. You can’t really rush it.”
- Health issues continue to plague the Grizzlies, who saw Grayson Allen leave Wednesday’s game in the second quarter due to a left ankle sprain, writes Evan Barnes of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. The club -which is already missing Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson, and Justise Winslow – will have to hope Allen’s sprain is a minor one.
It’s only a matter of time before Becky Hammon replaces Popovich permanently as head coach.
I could definitely see that happening..Its either that or someone else poached her away before Pop leaves…For her best success though, I think she should stay in SA..
Hot take lol “Popovich will retire…eventually”
I think Pop was looking for an opportunity to get tossed so he could see how she handled the rest of the game. Has to know he can count on her
Let’s hope not…with so many other, better qualified candidates available.
Name some better candidates. Hammond has earned the chance, what are your reasons against that aren’t “she’s a girl”
With or without the vj, there’s better options out there. It’s a token move if she get that job
like the “best” person always get chosen anyway.ha ha ha
i’m thinking it’s more a “token” move when the same people get fired and hired 3000 times.
she has legit qualifications so if if she gets hired it won’t be just a token move.
i also don’t care if someone doesn’t have the qualifications. if it’s possible for them to legit do the job. i wish some of them would get a try.
they can’t do much worse they the guys that get fired and then hired by another team. ;)
and yes if becky get’s a job and she gets fired. she should get hired by another team. that’s progress… ;)
More re-treads like JVG and such? Please, gimme a break.
thanks for slam dunk, harden (mvp),wall, and wood. :)
Sounds like Hammon is next up.
Philly got Richardson to the team he wanted… good job… a believable claim with good fit in theory.
love the becky news. hope she gets a head coaching job soon ! :)
Congrats on making history Becky! Hope you’re the next head coach for the spurs
Rooting for the woman for no reason is as clear a sign as any for prejudice.