Spurs’ Becky Hammon wants to be hired for coaching ability not to check a box
Earlier this offseason, Becky Hammon received some serious consideration to receive her first NBA head coaching gig.
Hammon was in the running for the opening with the Portland Trail Blazers before the team elected to hire Chauncey Billups. As she continues her path as an NBA coach, she is hopeful that she can prove one day that she is the best hire regardless of gender.
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“It’s huge and important. It’s something that can’t be [checking] the box,” the Spurs assistant told The Associated Press via ESPN. “You have to hire the best person. Half the world’s population hasn’t been tapped for their mind and ability and skill sets in the sports world. It’s something that needs to change.”
Hammon continues to work in a male-dominated field while dealing with gender stereotypes for coaching positions in the NBA. However, the opportunity she’s received with the San Antonio Spurs has allowed him to garner much-needed coaching experience.
Hammon has become one of Greg Popovich’s most-relied upon coaches on his staff. It’s helped her gather more footing around the league to earn the chance to be interviewed for a head coaching job.
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The Trail Blazers’ interest may be the tip of the iceberg to receive other opportunities down the line. It’s a matter of a team giving her the chance to prove she can be an effective coach that can lead a team to sustained success.
Until then, she will continue to work on Popovich’s staff in San Antonio, gathering more experience in the realm.
