Spurs Hire First Female Paid Coach; Becky Hammon is New Assistant Coach

Becky Hammon has been hired by the San Antonio Spurs to become their new assistant coach, making the WNBA star the second woman to serve in the coaching staff of an NBA team.

In a report by Ksat, the San Antonio Spurs announced on August 5, 2014, that Hammon will be under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich said that one of the reasons why they chose her was because she made a strong impression while playing in the WNBA for the San Antonio Stars.

Popovich said, "I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff. Having observed her working with our team this past season, I'm confident her basketball IQ, work ethic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs." Popovich told Hammon that she was hired because she was qualified for her experience and knowledge in the game of basketball. The stern Spurs head coach added, "It just so happens you're a woman."

The first female who had a similar position is Lisa Boyer. Boyer was in the staff of John Lucas and coached the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2001 to 2002. Hammon will also be joining Ettore Messina, who was also hired by the team after they won the NBA championship.

The terms and value of the contract were not announced in accordance to the club rules. Before, Lisa Boyer only worked part time and did not receive any salary for her contributions. Hammon will be paid for her full time coaching job.

According to the New York Times, Hammon, 37 years old, will retire in August 2014 after playing for 16 years in the WNBA. She played for the San Antonio Stars for eight seasons. She was a point guard and was named one of the 15 best players in the history of the league in 2011.

Hammon said, "I think it's no surprise to anybody that they think a little bit differently down here." She added, "It's a tremendous challenge, and it comes with tremendous responsibility. There have been so many other women that are doing really, really great things, and I'm just kind of following in their paths."

A lot of fans were thrilled by the announcement of having Hammon join the defending champions. Experts, however, were not very much surprised at the thought of the team hiring a woman. The Spurs are usually lauded for using innovative approaches while staying close to their fundamental strategies.