The NBA now has its first full-time female assistant coach, as the San Antonio Spurs hire WNBA star Becky Hammon to join their bench for the upcoming season. The move comes as Hammon says she'll retire after her current season playing for the San Antonio Stars.
"I'm just thrilled for the opportunity to coach these unbelievable athletes," Hammon said.
"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." Popovich told NBA.com
The Express-News has rundown of other high-profile positions held by women in basketball:
"Nancy Leiberman was head coach of the Developmental League's Texas Legends in 2009. Lisa Boyer, currently the associate head coach at the University of South Carolina, served as a volunteer on John Lucas' staff with the Cavaliers in 2001-02 while also head coach of the WNBA's Cleveland Rockers. But Hammon is believed to be the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history. The hire brought further diversity to Gregg Popovich's staff, which also added European giant Ettore Messina as an assistant earlier this summer."