Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, has long been linked with an NBA head coaching job—especially with the San Antonio Spurs. This speculation resurfaced after the Spurs announced that Gregg Popovich will no longer serve as head coach. He will now focus solely on his duties as president of basketball operations. Popovich’s departure from coaching stirred reactions across the basketball world. For Hammon, it was personal. Becky Hammon spent eight years as an assistant under Gregg Popovich and became the first woman to act as an NBA head coach during a game in 2020.
Long-Rumored Coach For Spurs, Becky Hammon On Gregg Popovich Stepping Down
Hammon Embraces Her Current Role
Despite her strong ties to the Spurs, Hammon emphasized her happiness in the WNBA. “I’m super happy where I am,” she said. Hammon leads one of the league’s top teams and has already built a legacy. She guided the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
Her coaching record in the WNBA stands at an impressive 87-29. This success reflects her leadership and commitment to growing the women’s game.
Becky Hammon and Gregg Popovich share a mentor-protégé bond. However, she made it clear she’s not actively seeking an NBA job. “I bet on myself instead of maybe waiting it out for a maybe [in the NBA],” Hammon added.
The Spurs’ New Era Begins
With Popovich stepping away from coaching duties, Mitch Johnson will take over as head coach. Johnson filled in during Popovich’s absence last season after the Hall of Famer suffered a mild stroke. Now, he officially becomes the new leader of the Spurs on the court.
This change sparked talk about whether Hammon would return to San Antonio. After all, her past with the franchise runs deep. She played the final eight seasons of her WNBA career in San Antonio and immediately joined Popovich’s staff after retirement.
But despite the buzz, she remains focused on the Aces and the WNBA. “You guys know I’m effusive about my love for this team and being back in the women’s game,” she said.
Becky Hammon’s Path Since San Antonio
Hammon’s journey has included both praise and criticism. In 2021, she was a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coaching job. Although Blazers chair Jody Allen supported her candidacy, the team ultimately hired Chauncey Billups.
Reports later emerged that internal feedback from San Antonio staff may have raised doubts. Concerns reportedly centered around her readiness to manage day-to-day NBA responsibilities. Still, Hammon left a strong impression on Portland officials and continues to gain respect across the league.
Now, with two WNBA titles, her coaching resume speaks for itself. The Las Vegas Aces are currently listed at +300 odds to win the 2025 championship, second only to the New York Liberty.
Popovich’s Lasting Impact on Hammon
Hammon credited Popovich for shaping her as a coach. “That’s who mentored me,” she said. “That’s who spent literally thousands of hours with me.” Their relationship goes beyond basketball. It’s built on mutual respect and years of learning together.
After hearing the news about Popovich stepping down, Hammon reached out to him. “My heart’s a little heavy for him because I know how much he loves it,” she admitted. “But I’m sure he’ll crush this role just as much.”
The connection between Becky Hammon and Gregg Popovich remains strong. His leadership helped prepare her for the spotlight. Her coaching success continues to reflect the years spent learning under his guidance.
Hammon Open to Future NBA Possibilities
Though she’s not pursuing an NBA job now, Hammon hasn’t closed the door completely. “If I were to ever make that jump again, it just has to be the right fit,” she said. Timing, team culture, and alignment with leadership matter more to her than simply returning to the league.
With her winning record and deep understanding of the game, Hammon will remain a topic of interest. Any NBA team looking to make a bold and historic hire will undoubtedly consider her again.
Until then, she remains committed to the Aces. Becky Hammon and Gregg Popovich may no longer work in the same league, but their basketball legacies are forever linked.
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