FILE PHOTO – DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs receives instruction from assistant coach Becky Hammon who was filling for an ejected Gregg Popvich during second half action at AT&T Center on December 30, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Ronald Cortes/Getty Images/AFP
San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon is a prime candidate for the Portland Trail Blazers’ head coaching vacancy, The Athletic reported Saturday.
The outlet reported that Hammon will also interview for the Orlando Magic opening.
Hammon isn’t the only woman under consideration by Portland. Highly successful South Carolina women’s coach Dawn Staley also is in the mix.
There has never been a women’s head coach in NBA history. Hammon did fill in as coach for two-plus quarters on Dec. 30 when Gregg Popovich got ejected during the second quarter of a 121-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hammon, 44, has been on the Spurs’ staff since 2014. Staley, 51, guided South Carolina to the 2017 NCAA women’s title and to two other Final Four appearances.
The Trail Blazers are also reportedly considering Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni, Los Angeles Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups and Spurs executive Brent Barry. D’Antoni, with a 672-527 record, is the only person in the mix with NBA head coaching experience.
Portland star Damian Lillard has expressed that he wants the new hire to meet his approval. Lillard earlier listed Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd as a candidate he’d endorse to replace the fired Terry Stotts but Kidd pull his name out of the running.