Whenever it’s about making history from a coaching perspective, Becky Hammon is the one leading the charge. She’s done it in the NBA. She’s done it in the WNBA. So, no doubt—she can do it again. It makes perfect sense why Gregg Popovich added her to his coaching tree, where she didn’t just learn but also became the first full-time female assistant coach in league history. But if you ask Popovich, he always believed her potential went far beyond just being an assistant. “You really know she’s got that same sort of Avery Johnson, Steve Kerr, [Mike] Budenholzer-type thing,” he told Business Insider in 2017. And staying true to what Popovich recognized in her, Hammon later became the first paid female NBA coach when she took over for Popovich after his ejection in 2020. Half a decade later, Hammon once again had a shot at history—this time for a longer stretch. But, will she take it???

The golden opportunity arose when the Spurs announced that Popovich would be stepping down as head coach to take over as the team’s President of Basketball Operations. This meant Hammon, who had served as an assistant under Pop from 2014 to 2021, could’ve been in the running to become the first woman to serve multiple seasons as an NBA head coach.

But despite her deep connection with the organization, Hammon stayed focused. “I’m super happy where I am,” Hammon said. “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.” And it all made sense—especially considering Hammon had spent nearly 16 years playing in the WNBA.

In fact, she joined Popovich’s coaching staff after retiring from the league, following the Stars’ elimination from the 2014 playoffs. After soaking up all the knowledge she could in San Antonio, she returned to the W—and hasn’t looked back since. Despite being a rookie coach, she joined the Las Vegas Aces in late 2021 and led them to a championship title in 2022. By then, she understood the process—and went for it again the following season. Though she missed out last year, that only fueled her hunger. So, it makes perfect sense that she doesn’t want any distractions right now.

That’s why, when asked about another coach taking the Spurs’ head job, she kept it simple and classy—just five words: “It’s great for the Spurs,” she said. That response was right on point. She kept it considerate, knowing the kind of potential Mitch Johnson brings to the table.

The 38-year-old, just like Hammon, is one of the coaches molded under Popovich’s system. He’s been serving as an assistant since 2019 and is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s top young assistant coaches this season. And that praise is backed by results—Johnson led the Spurs to a 32–45 record over 77 games as interim head coach.

Having worked alongside Hammon during her Spurs tenure, Johnson shares her understanding of Popovich’s culture of discipline and adaptability, making him a natural fit for the role. Hammon’s gracious words reflect their shared history and her respect for the Spurs’ choice.

So it makes sense why Hammon shared her vision so clearly—it also signals she’s not looking back toward the NBA head coaching role anytime soon. And honestly? She doesn’t need to.

Becky Hammon plays with the W’s card this time.

Before coming to the WNBA, Becky Hammon was a potential candidate for the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coaching vacancy in 2021. However, after she didn’t land the job, she transitioned to the W later that year. That move turned out to be the best possible decision, as Hammon went on to achieve an impressive 87–29 record across three seasons with the Las Vegas Aces.

“If I were to ever make that jump again, you know, it just has to be the right fit, right time, in front of the right people, with the right team,” Hammon said. So, makes sense she opted for the Aces in the NBA. But, without going to the NBA, she wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what she is today. Majorly as her success is undoubtedly refined by her mentor, Pop.

But to implement what she learned from him, she didn’t need to be in the NBA. And she knows that well. So,  she’s applying those lessons right in the WNBA. Just look at the Aces’ roster—they have three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and one of the best point guards in the league, Chelsea Gray. Hammon thrives with forward-driven players, similar to how Popovich used Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

With that foundation, she led the team to back-to-back championship titles and finished the regular season with a 27–13 record, placing them fourth overall in the league standings. Not only that, the team also led the WNBA in scoring with 86.4 points per game, though they eventually lost to the Liberty in Game 4 of the Finals, 3–1.