Popovich envisioning future with more women in power
In a nod to March being Women’s History Month in the United States, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich envisioned a future with more women in positions of power around the globe.
“As far as opportunities across the board, in America or across the world, of course women are still in a position they don’t deserve,” Popovich said. “They should be more highly regarded. I’ve always believed if we had more female leaders in the world, we’d be better off. I think they’d do a better job for a variety of reasons.”
Meeting virtually with reporters before Monday’s win against the Pistons in Detroit, Popovich’s comments came in response to a question about the impact trailblazing Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon may have on future generations of women interested in pursuing careers in male-dominated jobs, industries and political bodies.
Hammon made history Dec. 30 when she became the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA regular-season game. Popovich handed her the reins after an official ejected him during the second quarter of the Spurs’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center.
Hammon is also the first woman to serve as a head coach for a team in any of the major U.S. sports leagues (NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer).
Then-vice president-elect Kamala Harris marked Hammon’s barrier-breaking achievement by tweeting “Congrats, @ Beckyhammon. You may be the first, but I know you certainly won’t be the last.”
Spurs Sports and Entertainment also has several other women in key positions, including Lori Warren, executive vice president of finance and corporate strategy; Marilyn Adams, director of rehabilitation; Tammy Turner, senior vice president
corporate administration and facilities; and Becky Kimbro, vice president of brand and marketing.
“I think in every endeavor, making sure there is a specific emphasis on making sure women are empowered is not just the right thing to do but the smart thing to do if you want success,” Popovich said.
Walker shows off his offensive skills
Lonnie Walker’s 11-point performance in the 109-99 victory over the Pistons marked the 10th time in the last 11 games he has scored in double figures.
Walker averaged 12.3 points during that stretch. For the season, he’s averaging a career-best 11.2 points.
“I’m really starting to dial in and watch a ton of film,” said Walker, a third-year swingman. “Being patient on screens. Let
the game come to me, don’t force shots, take the open shots and look for my teammates.”
Walker displayed his enhanced offensive awareness in the second quarter against Detroit with a highlight-reel pass that gave the Spurs a six-point lead.
As he elevated toward the basket after driving past the Pistons’ Jerami Grant, Walker fed Drew Eubanks for an easy twohanded stuff with a perfectly executed wrap-around pass as 6-foot-8 center Isaiah Stewart rose to defend Walker.
“Jerami Grant was behind me, still by the elbow, I’m pretty sure, which makes the big (Stewart) come and help, which allowed Drew to be open somewhere,” Walker said. “I just had to trust my instincts and do what I do best and help my teammates look great.”
Derozan remains out of the lineup
The Spurs will be without leading scorer and playmaker Demar Derozan (personal reasons) and reserve forward Keita Bates-diop (right hamstring strain) on Wednesday night in Chicago.
It will be the fourth game in a row Derozan has missed after the burial of his father and the second straight for Bates-diop, who was injured Sunday night in the fourth quarter in Philadelphia.
The Spurs are 3-3 this season in games without Derozan, who averages 20.3 points and 7.3 assists.
Walker started at small forward in place of Derozan against Detroit.