Two coaching jobs have opened up with the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans. Becky Hammon should be considered for both those jobs. She has been an assistant coach since 2014.
College
Hammon is more than qualified to be a head coach in the NBA. She played her college ball at Colorado State for the Rams. Hammon was a three-time All -American playing the point guard position. In her time with the Rams, Hammon set records in points (2,470), points per game (21.92), field goals made (918), three-point field goals made (365). free throws made (539) and assist (538) as you can see, Hammon can do a lot of things on the basketball court.
Pro Career
Becky Hammon went undrafted in the WNBA but signed with the New York Liberty in 1999 to back up Teresa Weatherspoon, Hammon spent eight seasons with New York and made three all-star teams. The former Colorado State star was a fan favorite in New York because of her hard play on both sides.
In 2007 Hammon was traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars, she had her best season as WNBA player averaging 19.5 points a game and 5.0 assist per game. It’s with the Silver Stars Hammon earned the name “Big Shot Becky” for her ability to make big shots.
Hammon, a six-time All-Star, made both the WNBA’s Top 15 players of All-Time and WNBA Top 20@20. The former Silver Star also spent time in the NWBL playing for the Tennessee Fury and Colorado Chill.
Coaching
Hammon became an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Her time with one of the best coaches in the NBA, Gregg Popovich, will pave the way for her to be a good NBA coach. Hammon played the point guard position, which is pretty much like having a coach on the floor, and she played it at a high level.
In 2015 Hammon became the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League. That Summer, Hammon coached the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title. Hammon is more than ready to be a head coach in the NBA.
The Bulls and Pelicans’ jobs are both open. Hammon should be a candidate for both positions. Look out for Swin Cash, the Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Development, to vouch for Hammon. With a coach like Popovich, backing Hammon teams will listen. It is not just that; Hammon knows the game of basketball and played at a high level. She’s earned the right to be a head coach in the NBA.
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