Spurs Hire Becky Hammon, Make History

On Tuesday the San Antonio Spurs made history when the organization announced the hire of WNBA superstar Becky Hammon, who is now the first full-time, paid female assistant on an NBA coaching staff.

After missing the entire 2013 season with a knee injury, last month Hammon announced that this season, the 16th of her storied career, would be her last. It was during her injury rehab that coach Gregg Popovich invited her to attend team practices.

Having played the last seven years for the San Antonio Stars, Hammon has longstanding relationships with many within the Spurs organization. Speaking on the hire, both Hammon and Popovich were quick to discount any conversation or even insinuation that it was anything but a basketball move.

Said Hammon, “I know Coach Pop has made it very clear to me that I’m being hired because of my basketball IQ and because I’m qualified. He said, ‘It just so happens you are a woman, but I’m hiring you because of your IQ and your personal relationship skills.’ I’m just grateful they see something in me that fits in with them and their organization.”

Popovich echoed her statements saying in a written statement, “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.”