A moment engraved in the history books. Becky Hammon became the first female coach at a match last night de NBA. After the exclusion of Gregg Popovich, who received a second technical foul for protest just before half-time, the San Antonio assistant donned the head coach costume for the remainder of the game. against the Lakers.
And even if she could not avoid the defeat of the Spurs (107-121), the 43-year-old pioneer, supported by Will Hardy and Mitch Johnson, made a strong impression on the edge of the field. “When it was time to pass me the hand, Pop just said, ‘They’re yours, that’s all,'” smiles the former point guard, six-time WNBA All-Star with New York Liberty and San. Antonio Silver Stars.
“Guys are used to hearing my voice”
It must be said that Popovich has full confidence in Becky Hammon, whom he promoted to main assistant this season after the departure of Tim Duncan. “I have been part of the franchise since 2007, she recalls. I spent a lot of time there and they helped me progress and improve (…) The guys responded very well, they have the used to hear my voice. I would have preferred that we come away with the victory, but we fought well. “
The protégé of “Pop”, who had already led the Spurs in a preseason game, received strong congratulations after her big first in the top flight. “Becky played at the top level. Anyone who knows the history of women’s basketball knows what she stood for. She is one of us. When she speaks, everyone listens to her,” said the full-back. DeMar DeRozan.
“I love Becky,” says point guard Dejounte Murray. “We’re really close. We text each other on vacation, talk to each other about our children. The future is bright for her. She’s a fighter. Everyone. appreciate it here. It is an example for all women. “
“She was awesome,” greets LeBron James
His Majesty LeBron James, who had a 1,000th game with 10 points or more, joined the concert of praise. “This match allowed her to show her work, her talent and her love for the game, appreciates the King. We all know what she did as a player. She was great. It’s beautiful of the hear her instructions scream. She is passionate about the game. Congratulations to her and to the League. “
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???? Becky Hammon replaced Gregg Popovich, sent off in the 2nd quarter! Https: //t.co/pBxVIryu1l— NBAextra (@NBAextra) December 31, 2020
After this successful baptism, Frank Vogel, the coach of the Lakers, expects to find Becky Hammon more often in this role: “I have spoken to her several times, she really knows her job. She is here for a good reason. She prepared, smart. The guys have great respect for her. And I think she’ll be head coach in the NBA someday. “
A serious candidate for Popovich’s succession
An idea that is gaining ground in San Antonio, where she is considered a very credible candidate for Popovich’s succession. Before the meeting, the emblematic coach of Spurs had also expressed his admiration for his assistant, who played twice in the Olympic Games with Russia, in 2008 and 2012 (after his naturalization).
“It started when I saw her play. She was a leader, she was very confident, very competitive and everyone listened to her on the team. She has an innate understanding of what wins, of what loses, what it takes to put a program in place. She has what it takes to be a hell of a coach in our league. “
