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Spurs Ex Becky Hammon Praises Gregg Popovich in Hall of Fame Speech

Gregg Popovich hired Becky Hammon to the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff in 2014.

Former San Antonio Spurs coach Becky Hammon is officially in the Hall of Fame.

Hammon spent eight seasons playing for the San Antonio Silver Stars, the city's WNBA franchise from 2007-14 before flipping over to the men's team as an assistant coach for the Spurs from 2014-22.

When Hammon was hired, she was just the second woman to be hired as an assistant in NBA history. The man responsible for the hire, Gregg Popovich, was making history, even if he didn't feel like he did.

“Pop, I knew you weren’t trying to be courageous when you hired me, but you did do something no one in professional sports has ever done,” Hammon said in her speech.

Hammon's Hall-of-Fame career as a pioneer for women in the sport is extraordinary, and that includes her years in San Antonio with the Spurs.

During her speech, Hammon also recognized the other Spurs Hall-of-Famers, all of whom she worked with during her time in San Antonio.

Now, Hammon coaches the Las Vegas Aces, who once called San Antonio home. She helped lead the Aces to a WNBA championship in 2022 and now she hopes to repeat in 2023.


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