Spurs female assistant to make history during summer league,
Hammon to be NBA Summer League’s first female head coach.
— Becky Hammon is set to bust down another door.
After making history last season as the NBA’s first fulltime female assistant coach, Hammon will be the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs’ NBA Summer League squad in Las Vegas beginning Friday.
She will be the first female to earn that job in NBA history as well. Natalie Nakase was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers last summer.
Hammon said she views her appointment by coach Gregg Popovich as a vital step in the development of her career.
“It’s a different role” from being an assistant, said Hammon, 38. “You go from giving support and watching all the details going on during the game to you’re the one calling timeout, you’re the one drawing up the plays, you’re the one the players get (angry) at when they get yanked.
“It’s a step over and a step up, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Will Hardy, the team’s video coordinator, is coaching the Spurs’ entry in the Salt Lake City Summer League through Thursday, with Hammon assisting him.
The two will swap roles when the Spurs move to Las Vegas for the games Friday through July 20.
Traditionally, a stint as the Spurs’ Summer League coach has looked good on a résumé.
Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer and former Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn each took a turn during their time on the Spurs’ bench, as did Washington lead assistant Don Newman.
Last year’s Spurs summer leaguers were directed by assistant coach Ime Udoka.
This year’s squad — which includes second-year forward Kyle Anderson and second-round draft pick Cady Lalanne — began working out under Hammon and Hardy last week.
“I think it’s going to grow me a lot,” Hammon said. “The main thing is, I want our guys to get better. It’s about them. Hopefully, we’ll help make these guys look good.”