This is progress.
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, former WNBA star turned San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon will coach a Summer League team for the organization.
Non-free agency update: Becky Hammon will coach Spurs' Summer Leaguers in Vegas. Will Hardy will coach Spurs in Salt Lake.
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) July 3, 2015
The Spurs have previously offered its newest coaches a chance at the helm during the summer months, so it’s excellent to see the franchise didn’t stray from its history despite Hammon being—gasp!—a woman. Fellow assistant coach Ime Udoka oversaw a team last summer.
Last year, Natalie Nakase became the NBA’s first-ever female assistant coach. The Los Angeles Clippers added her to the bench for Summer League. When San Antonio hired Hammon in August 2014, she became the first full-time, paid female assistant coach in NBA history.
Hammon won’t receive an NBA head-coaching offer immediately following her time leading the squad in Las Vegas, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Most importantly, Hammon has a chance to prove she’s deserving of more time on the bench and perhaps a couple more promotions in the future.
It’s clear she can coach. It’s awesome to see San Antonio affording Hammon the opportunity to shine.
We should all hope she does.
Photo: USA Today Sports