Skip to content

Spurs hire Becky Hammon as NBA's first-ever female assistant coach

Brendan Maloney / Reuters

The San Antonio Spurs' reputation as one of the NBA's most progressive franchises took a massive step on Monday as they announced the hiring of WNBA star Becky Hammon.

Hammon, who announced two weeks ago that she would be hanging up the kicks after 16 seasons in the WNBA, becomes the NBA's first-ever female assistant.

It should be noted, however, that Lisa Boyer became the first female on an NBA sideline during the 2001-02 season, when she assisted John Lucas' Cleveland Cavaliers as a "volunteer assistant." Furthermore, Los Angeles Clippers video coordinator Natalie Nakase took the court as part of the team's coaching staff during this year's Las Vegas Summer League.

A six-time All-Star, Hammon was named as one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All-Time in July 2011. She ranks seventh in the league's history in points (5,809), fourth in assists (1,687), and sixth in games (445).

"I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff," said Gregg Popovich in the team's official statement. "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."

Head coach of the WNBA's San Antonio Stars Dan Hughes is reportedly the one who recommended Hammon to Popovich and is recognized as the person responsible for nurturing her interest in coaching.

Only three weeks ago, the Spurs made another head-turning move by hiring Ettore Messina, who many believe will eventually become the NBA's first foreign-born head coach, as an assistant. However, unlike the 54-year-old Messina, Hammon is actually younger than some of the players she'll be coaching next season.

Hall-of-Famer Nancy Lieberman also chimed in on the deal, hailing the move as, "a glorious day for NBA and awesome day for women."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox