If it was some other organization, it might be looked upon as a publicity stunt. But when it’s the current world champions and a franchise that’s about as well respected as any in all of professional sports, it’s something else entirely.
The San Antonio Spurs have broken ground in a big way with the hiring of Becky Hammon as an assistant coach. While Lisa Boyer served as a volunteer assistant several years back with the Cavaliers, Hammon is now the first female full-time assistant coach in the NBA, and therefore the first in any of the major sports in this country.
What’s most impressive to me is the lack of buzz surrounding this news. Obviously, it’s getting covered. But note the virtual lack of any real scrutiny. That has everything to do with the Spurs and Greg Popovich. Make no mistake, if a low level franchise makes this hire, it gets much more controversial. But since it’s the Spurs, virtually no one is questioning the decision.
I think that’s the best thing about this hire by the Spurs. The consensus, rather than chatter about how and if Hammon will fit in with the guys, is that if the Spurs think she’s got the right stuff, then that must be the case, and that’s the end of the story.
So congrats to Becky Hammon, congrats to the Spurs and hooray for one more stupid barrier getting knocked down.
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Also on Wednesday . . . my free pick (pitcher looking for payback) and my FIRST MAX bet yet at Pregame, plus details of my preseason betting approach, and the lowest price on my football subscription ENDING SOON . . . now on my homepage