Spurs' departure of Gregg Popovich is preceded by acknowledgment towards Becky Hammon, who will likely serve as new head coach under Mitch Johnson.
Breaking San Antonio Spurs News:
Gregg Popovich Steps Down, Mitch Johnson Takes Over
The NBA world is buzzing following the shocking news that Gregg Popovich, the legendary coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is stepping down from his position as head coach. In a swift move, Mitch Johnson has been announced as his permanent replacement.
Despite the team's announcement, one analyst believes the Spurs should have considered another candidate for the coveted position. That candidate? Becky Hammon, the Las Vegas Aces head coach and former Spurs assistant coach.
On ESPN's "First Take," Jay Williams threw Hammon's name into the ring. Williams argued her championship-winning experience in the WNBA and her time working under Popovich as an assistant from 2014-2021 made her the perfect candidate.
"I think an incredible move for the Spurs would be to hire Becky Hammon," Williams said. "Talk about a through line, talk about championship experience... She spent time with the organization; we all know how she acts."
Rookie of the Year Season Reflections
While the San Antonio team was expecting Popovich's return this season after several health scares, the team has now accepted his move to a new role as team president. Despite Popovich's unparalleled success with the team - as the winningest head coach in NBA history with five titles - many were taken aback by his decision.
"While my love and passion for the game remain, I've decided it's time to step away as head coach," Popovich said in a statement. "I'm forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff, and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach."
The team appears to have a plan in place with Johnson's promotion, bringing an end to speculation surrounding other potential candidates for the role. With rising stars like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox leading the team, the Spurs are looking to bounce back after finishing 34-48 last season, placing them 13th in the Western Conference.
While Hammon didn't make the final cut this time around, her candidacy reminds us that change can be a challenge, but progress often brings about fresh opportunities.
Enrichment Data
- Historical Context:
- Becky Hammon, former Spurs assistant coach (2014-2021), is currently head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, where she has won two championships.
- Despite her strong connections to the Spurs, including her former role as an assistant coach, she wasn't cited as a contender in the actual 2025 hiring process.
- Previous Speculated Candidates:
- Michael Malone (Nuggets coach) and Taylor Jenkins (Grizzlies coach) were named in pre-decision analyses, but neither made the final cut.
- Chris Paul, a player-turned-coach possibility, was floating around as a "fan favorite," but he was never considered a serious candidate for the job.
- In light of Gregg Popovich stepping down as coach of the San Antonio Spurs, there was anticipation for his return this season, but his decision to take up a new role as team president has led to the promotion of Mitch Johnson as his replacement.
- Jay Williams, an ESPN analyst, suggested that the Spurs should have considered Becky Hammon, the Las Vegas Aces head coach and former Spurs assistant coach, for the open head coaching position.
- Despite not being considered for the San Antonio Spurs' head coaching position in the 2025 hiring process, Becky Hammon's resume, which includes championship-winning experience as a coach in the WNBA and experience working under Popovich, makes her a notable candidate for similar positions in the future.
- Although Becky Hammon didn't secure the San Antonio Spurs head coaching position, her quick rise through the sports world, from assistant coach to WNBA champion, demonstrates the potential opportunities for coaching change and progress in basketball, and beyond.
