Ahead of the 2023 WNBA season, Aces coach Becky Hammon addressed the prospect of one day becoming an NBA coach in the aftermath of a report linking her to the Raptors’ vacant head coaching job.
Toronto–just two weeks after firing coach Nick Nurse–reportedly received permission on April 27 to interview Hammon, who made WNBA history last summer in leading Las Vegas to its first championship as a rookie coach. The Raptors’ job was the second time in two years the former WNBA star and Spurs assistant coach had been named in an NBA coaching search, with the Blazers also showing interest in 2021 before hiring ex-NBA star Chauncey Billups.
During an interview with TIME magazine released on Monday, Hammon explained that while she understands the significance of possibly becoming the NBA’s first female head coach, she is more than content with where she currently is with the Aces.
“I love being here,” Hammon said. “I love being back on the women’s side. I don’t need the stamp of approval from the NBA.”
As a mother of two children, ages 5 and 7, the second-year WNBA coach also cited enjoying the flexibility of the WNBA’s 40-game, largely summer-based schedule compared to the NBA’s 82-game schedule. “My happiness is most important,” she told TIME.
While elaborating on her views on coaching in the NBA, Hammon noted the negative effect of some experiences she had behind the scenes while reflecting on her landmark eight-season run with the Spurs. She told TIME she encountered “passive aggressiveness or just flat-out fakeness” at times and patronizing questions from executives during head coaching interviews about her ability to lead male players.
Still, despite some of the obstacles and focusing on her current job, Hammon did not rule out the possibility of ever coaching in the NBA, noting that she’s aware that it’s “difficult for anybody to get a job in the NBA.” However, in the event the interest continues, Hammon said the pursuit will be on the onus of possible suitors.
“You’re going to have to come after me,” she said. “I’m not going to beg for a job anymore.”
With Las Vegas set to open its season on May 20, Hammon’s attention will be fully locked in on leading her squad, and not NBA rumors, as the Aces look to become back-to-back champions.
Hammons’ Aces, a year removed from a 26–10 finish, will enter the campaign with a bolstered lineup that includes offseason additions Candace Parker and Alysha Clark to a core that includes A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum.
