Player's Tribune turns out a lot of quality articles. I like what Pau has to say here. Becky Hammon would be just one of many in a long line of Popovich assistants that have become succesful NBA...
Player's Tribune turns out a lot of quality articles. I like what Pau has to say here. Becky Hammon would be just one of many in a long line of Popovich assistants that have become succesful NBA coaches. Yet, anytime you see reports of her interviewing for a potential head coaching job there's this general sentiment that she's "not ready yet."
To a degree I can understand that. She's only been coaching since 2014, and the traditional route would be to move her to the NCAA for a few years and then offer her something in the NBA. But I'd argue she has a lot more coaching experience than Steve Kerr ever had, as well as the added benefit of having one of the greatest coaches in NBA history as her mentor. Kerr got that by being a player for Pop towards the tail end of his career I guess, but that only strengthens my point.
She's the same age of Brad Stevens, so I don't think she's too young, and her WNBA career is amazing enough to count more than any years wasted coaching in the NCAA would give her.
Part of me really wishes my Timberwolves would oust Thibs and hire her, but I have a feeling she'll wait another year or two with the Spurs and leave when Pop retires (or take his spot). Though there is rumor that the Pistons will be hiring her for next season. I can't say I feel that would be the best move for her career, as the Pistons near future looks ugly. Then again, coaches don't seem to be turning over at the rate they used to so she may just want to take the opportunity while she can.
Player's Tribune turns out a lot of quality articles. I like what Pau has to say here. Becky Hammon would be just one of many in a long line of Popovich assistants that have become succesful NBA coaches. Yet, anytime you see reports of her interviewing for a potential head coaching job there's this general sentiment that she's "not ready yet."
To a degree I can understand that. She's only been coaching since 2014, and the traditional route would be to move her to the NCAA for a few years and then offer her something in the NBA. But I'd argue she has a lot more coaching experience than Steve Kerr ever had, as well as the added benefit of having one of the greatest coaches in NBA history as her mentor. Kerr got that by being a player for Pop towards the tail end of his career I guess, but that only strengthens my point.
She's the same age of Brad Stevens, so I don't think she's too young, and her WNBA career is amazing enough to count more than any years wasted coaching in the NCAA would give her.
Part of me really wishes my Timberwolves would oust Thibs and hire her, but I have a feeling she'll wait another year or two with the Spurs and leave when Pop retires (or take his spot). Though there is rumor that the Pistons will be hiring her for next season. I can't say I feel that would be the best move for her career, as the Pistons near future looks ugly. Then again, coaches don't seem to be turning over at the rate they used to so she may just want to take the opportunity while she can.
My new favorite NBA player.