In a significant development for the San Antonio Spurs, long-time head coach and team president Greg Popovich will be sidelined for the remainder of the season following a stroke he suffered last November. While there’s hope that he may return to the sidelines, the franchise is beginning to contemplate the future of Spurs Basketball and the next step in their coaching evolution.
If Popovich decides not to return, one name rising to the forefront as a potential successor is Becky Hammon, currently the head coach of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. This makes perfect sense; Hammon is a product of the Spurs system, having served as an assistant coach under Popovich from 2014 to 2021. Her familiarity with the organization and the culture that has made the Spurs a perennial contender should certainly count in her favor.
When discussing Becky Hammon, it’s hard to ignore her storied playing career. A three-time All-American point guard at Colorado State, she broke various records during her college tenure, leaving a mark that proved foundational for her coaching career. Although she went undrafted in the WNBA, Hammon’s relentless drive paid off when she signed with the New York Liberty in 1999. She became known for her grit and determination, earning three All-Star selections during her eight seasons in New York.
Her move to the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2007 marked a turning point in her career; Hammon had a breakout season, averaging 19.5 points and 5.0 assists per game while earning the nickname “Big Shot Becky” thanks to her ability to come through in clutch moments. With six All-Star appearances and recognition as one of the WNBA’s top 15 players of all time, she has etched her legacy firmly into the fabric of women’s basketball.
Transitioning to her coaching career, Hammon stepped into an assistant role with the Spurs, a pivotal experience that allowed her to learn under one of the game’s greatest minds, Greg Popovich. Her experience as a point guard—acting as a coach on the floor—stands her in good stead for a head coaching position. In 2015, she made history by becoming the first woman to coach in the NBA Summer League, leading the Spurs to a championship in that tournament.
However, Hammon is currently enjoying substantial success with the Las Vegas Aces, where she has earned two championships. As her current contract with the Aces nears its conclusion, there’s much speculation about whether she will choose to remain in Las Vegas or seize a potential opportunity in the NBA. With the Aces likely trying to secure her services with a lucrative contract, her next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As the Spurs look to the future, they may find themselves at a critical crossroads. Should they part ways with Popovich, the opportunity to hire a candidate with the pedigree and passion of Becky Hammon would be a defining step in embarking on a new era. For now, the basketball world watches as both Hammon and the Spurs navigate their respective futures.
