Home/WNBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich is one of the most accomplished and well-respected coaches in the NBA. He led the Spurs to become a dominant dynasty, guiding Tim Duncan and Co. to 5 NBA championships. But Pop has helped elevate several other careers during his tenure as the Spurs’ Head Coach. One of those people is the 6-time WNBA All-Star and head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, Becky Hammon.

Becky received the highest honor of her career this week after getting inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Becky broke down in tears while thanking the 74-year-old coach for helping her create NBA history.

Becky Hammon did what no woman had ever done

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Becky Hammon played in the WNBA for 15 years and garnered many accolades during the course of her career. She was a 6-time WNBA All-Star and got her jersey retired by the San Antonio Silver Stars after playing 8 seasons with the team. After her retirement in 2014, she came under Gregg Popovich?s wing, becoming an Assistant Coach for the Spurs. Becky created history in 2020 when she became the First Female Acting Head Coach of an NBA team. She got the opportunity to coach the San Antonio Spurs after Pop got ejected from the game against the LA Lakers.

During her Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, Becky paid homage to her mentor, Gregg Popovich for believing in her. ?You did something nobody else in professional sports has ever done.? Becky said, as both legends were in tears. Becky praised the Spurs’ head coach, saying that he modeled how to become excellent.

Becky and Pop continue to make history

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After all the accolades on their resume, Becky and Popovich continue to make more history. Popovich re-signed with the Spurs in a 5-year $80 million deal this off-season, making this the richest coaching contract in NBA history. With Victor Wembanyama starting his career with the Spurs this season, Popovich has a chance to reincarnate the Spurs dynasty.

Read More: Nets Guard on How Gregg Popovich Took the News Of Him Leaving Spurs: ?To My Surprise, He Responded Within 3 Minutes Or Something?

Hammon, on the other hand, created history in the WNBA this time by bagging a $1 million per year head coaching job with the Las Vegas Aces. Becky’s contract makes her the highest-paid coach in WNBA history. Becky proved her worth this past season after she led the Aces to a WNBA title in her debut season. She also received the Coach of The Year honors by becoming the first former WNBA player to win a ring as head coach.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As Hammon and Popovich continue to shine, NBA fans were delighted to see them getting inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in one of the most star-studded classes, including NBA legends like Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and Pau Gasol.

Watch This Story: WATCH: Dwyane Wade Hysterically Snatches His Hall of Fame Trophy Back From Heat Former Teammate