Becky Hammon Creates NBA HERstory: Becky Hammon becomes first woman to serve as NBA head coach

With three minutes and fifty-six seconds left in the second quarter, San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, was ejected from the Spurs-Lakers game for arguing with a referee. Subsequently, Becky Hammon, the assistant coach, filled in for a livid Popovich, took charge of the Spurs and became the first woman to serve as a head coach in NBA history. Despite losing 107-121 against the reigning champions, she guided the Spurs to a nearly even, competitive second half. Through passionate orchestration of the Spurs' offense and play-calling from the sideline, Hammon exhibited her innate leadership skills and extensive basketball experience and showed that it should not take a man getting ejected for her to become a head coach

Hammon demonstrated leadership and her impactful presence during her stint as head coach and received recognition and praise from around the league for her impact. Lakers forward Lebron James commended her during his post-game interview.

“It's a beautiful thing just to hear her barking out calls, barking out sets, and she's very passionate about the game,” he said.

Spurs star forward, DeMar DeRozan, echoed James’s affirmative comments.

“Becky's definitely been instrumental for us. She's quick on her feet, understanding defensive coverages.”

In addition to her leadership and passion, Hammon is knowledgeable. Popovich said that Hammon, who he tasked to scout the opposing team before the game, “knows more about the Lakers than [he] does.” Hammon effectively applies her thorough basketball knowledge. For instance, she directed the weak side defender to double-team Anthony Davis whenever he caught the ball on the low post. Her defensive tactic effectively forced the Lakers superstar to settle for less efficient mid-range jumpers and 3-point shots rather than his signature post-up moves. As a result, Davis scored an underwhelming 20-points in 32 minutes of playing.

Furthermore, Hammon has plenty of basketball-playing and coaching experience. Her prominent collegiate career at Colorado State University featured three All-American selections as she dominated opposing teams with her prolific scoring ability. During her pro career, she became a six-time WNBA all-star and represented the Russian women’s basketball team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Now, many consider Hammon to be a top 20 WNBA player of all-time. She then translated her experience as an exceptional player to coaching in 2014 when she was hired as an assistant coach for the Spurs. Her hiring made her the first full-time female assistant coach in any of the four major American professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL). At the time, Popovich stated that Hammon’s “basketball IQ, work ethic, and interpersonal skills [would] be a great benefit to the Spurs.” Not only has Hammon earned the respect of the entire Spurs organization, but she also helped lead the team to an impressive 317-177 record since then.

During the post-game press conference following the loss to the Lakers, Hammon emotionally acknowledged that being the first woman to serve as a head coach in NBA history was a “big deal” and a “substantial moment.” Yet, when asked about what she thought when Popovich appointed her as head coach as he exited the court, Hammon frankly stated that she was more concerned with winning the basketball game.

“Honestly, at the moment, I was just trying to win. It's my job to go in there and be focused for [the players] and make sure that I am helping them do the things that will help us win,” she said. Hammon’s determination to win is another quality that would make her a commendable head coach.

Popovich expressed that “there’s no reason why somebody like Becky and other women can’t be coaches in the NBA.” Her natural leadership, basketball experience, and knowledge, as well as her determination to win, would make her a qualified head coach in the NBA, and a valuable asset for any team. The San Antonio Spurs have a bright future ahead of them with talented young players and Hammon, who is on track to becoming 71-year-old Popovich’s successor and ultimately, the next Spurs head coach.