Becky Hammon just won her third WNBA championship in four years, and the conversation about her future keeps getting louder. The Las Vegas Aces completed a dominant four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, with Hammon once again proving why she’s one of the best coaches in basketball.
Her résumé has been stacked for years now. Six-time WNBA All-Star, three-time All-American from Colorado State, and a groundbreaking stint as an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs.
MORE: Lakers fan reveals plan to serve LeBron James with lawsuit during NBA game
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t holding back on the subject. After Friday’s championship win, he made his position crystal clear.
“If I were a NBA owner, I’d hire Becky Hammon as head coach,” Smith captioned. He continued, “I’ve said this on many occasions and I’ll say it again, she deserves to coach in the NBA. If men can coach in the WNBA… If I owned an NBA team, I would not mind giving her a chance as the head coach of my franchise, that woman knows what she’s doing.”
She made history back in December 2020 when she became the first woman to serve as an acting NBA head coach after Popovich got ejected. Before that, she led the Spurs’ Summer League team to a championship in 2015.
Despite all that experience and success, Hammon has interviewed with multiple NBA teams for head-coaching positions but hasn’t received an offer yet. That’s starting to feel like a missed opportunity for someone out there.
Apr 1, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with assistant coach Becky Hammon in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Smith’s comments land as both a compliment and a challenge to NBA decision-makers. Hammon’s track record stacks up against many of her male counterparts, built on strategic acumen, leadership, and composure under pressure.
The league talks about merit and inclusion more than ever before, and someone with her credentials checks every box.
For now, Hammon seems perfectly content building a dynasty in Las Vegas. But if she ever shows interest in returning to the NBA, her continued success might finally force some front offices to act.
GET MORE TOP STORIESfrom The Big Leadbysubscribing to TBL YouTubechannel
FRIDAY ROUNDUP:LeBron suffers injury, Giants shock Eagles, and more
NFL:2025 NFL Week 6 TV schedule: Full list of games
NCAAF:Heisman Trophy odds continue to play out after Week 6 of college football season
NBA:LeBron James draws heat from ESPN Analyst over viral ‘Second Decision’ stunt
SPORTS MEDIA:Netflix reportedly set to bid for UEFA Champions League rights with massive offer
VIRAL:Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia makes directing debut with iconic Lakers video