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Becky Hammon on Popovich’s Spurs Exit: ‘My Heart’s Heavy’ Keywords: Becky Hammon, Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs, NBA, WNBA

Becky Hammon, Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs, Las Vegas Aces, NBA, WNBA, basketball, coaching, head coach, mentorship, Mitch Johnson, female coach, leadership, legacy, sports, news.

Becky Hammon Reflects on Gregg Popovich’s Departure, Spurs Legacy, and Her Own Path

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon expressed a mix of emotions upon hearing the news of Gregg Popovich’s official retirement as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after an illustrious 29-season tenure. While acknowledging the significance of Popovich’s transition to the role of Spurs president of basketball operations, Hammon’s heartfelt remarks underscored the profound impact he had on her career and the basketball world at large.

"My heart’s a little heavy for him because I know how much he loves it," Hammon stated, her words resonating with genuine affection and respect for her former mentor. She spoke ahead of the Aces’ preseason matchup against the Dallas Wings, but the news of Popovich’s departure clearly weighed on her mind. Hammon hailed Popovich as "one of the greatest to do it. Arguably, the greatest to do it," emphasizing his unparalleled contributions to the sport.

Hammon revealed that she had reached out to Popovich via text message, conveying her thoughts and affection to the 76-year-old coaching legend. She expressed her belief that it was "a heavy, heavy decision for him to step away," recognizing the emotional weight associated with such a significant transition. Despite the change, Hammon expressed unwavering confidence in Popovich’s ability to excel in his new role.

"I know he’ll still be running around that facility and be heavily involved with the everyday decisions," Hammon predicted, suggesting that Popovich’s passion for the game would remain undiminished. "He will always be the most competitive person in the building, whatever building he’s in. That part doesn’t change just because you get a little bit older."

The article briefly touched on Popovich’s legacy and some of his memorable quotes, but it primarily focused on Hammon’s perspective and her relationship with the legendary coach.

Hammon’s coaching journey began under Popovich’s guidance when he hired her as an assistant coach in August 2014, making her only the second female coach in NBA history. This groundbreaking move paved the way for other women in the league and underscored Popovich’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Hammon quickly proved her coaching prowess, leading the Spurs to a Summer League title in 2015, becoming the first woman to achieve such a feat.

In a historic moment, Hammon became the first female acting head coach in NBA history when Popovich was ejected during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 30, 2020. This event showcased Hammon’s readiness to lead and further solidified her place in basketball history.

Before accepting the Las Vegas Aces head coaching job in December 2021, Hammon interviewed for the Milwaukee Bucks general manager position in 2017 and the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching vacancy in 2021. These opportunities reflected her growing reputation and the recognition of her leadership qualities within the NBA.

"He’s a huge reason why I got this job," Hammon acknowledged, emphasizing Popovich’s instrumental role in her career trajectory. She highlighted the countless hours he spent mentoring her, shaping her coaching philosophy and leadership style. "That’s who mentored me. That’s who spent literally thousands of hours with me."

Hammon’s success in the WNBA, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, speaks volumes about her coaching abilities. Her impressive record of 87-29 in three seasons with the Aces demonstrates her capacity to lead and inspire a team to achieve remarkable results.

Hammon emphasized the importance of Popovich’s leadership style, highlighting his ability to maximize the potential of his players. "I think what was always so amazing about Pop was how he led," she noted. "People have different leadership styles, but I thought he got the absolute most out of his roster. Whatever his roster looked like. Turns out, he had some really good players."

Following the announcement of Popovich’s retirement, many sports commentators advocated for Hammon as his successor, recognizing her deep understanding of the Spurs’ culture and her coaching acumen. However, the job ultimately went to Mitch Johnson, who had been serving as the interim head coach.

Hammon expressed her contentment with her current position, stating, "I’m super happy where I’m at." She explained that the opportunity to coach the Aces was too compelling to pass up. "This opportunity for me, I couldn’t pass on it. … I bet on myself instead of, maybe waiting it out for a maybe (in the NBA). I’ve enjoyed being back on the women’s side. You guys know I’m effusive about my love for this team and being back in the women’s game."

While expressing her satisfaction with her WNBA career, Hammon acknowledged that she would consider a return to the NBA under the right circumstances. "If I were to ever make that jump again, it would just have to be the right fit, right time and for the right people with the right team."

The article concludes by mentioning the USA TODAY app, encouraging readers to download it for comprehensive news coverage. However, the primary focus remains on Hammon’s reflections on Popovich’s departure and her own journey in the world of basketball. Hammon’s words capture the essence of a mentor-mentee relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared passion for the game. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes, demonstrating the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of seizing opportunities.

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