In a heartfelt tribute, Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, expressed her admiration for Gregg Popovich following his decision to step down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs to take on the role of full-time president.

Popovich's coaching career spans an impressive 29 years, but his journey took a unforeseen turn when he suffered a mild stroke last November, limiting his involvement for the remainder of the season. Now, assistant coach Mitch Johnson will take over as the permanent head coach.

Before the Aces' preseason clash against the Dallas Wings, Hammon fondly recalled the mentorship she received from Popovich. "He spent literally thousands of hours mentoring me," she said, reflecting on her eight years on his coaching staff. "My heart's a little heavy for him because I know his passion for the game, but I have every confidence he will excel in his new role."

During her time with the Spurs from 2014 to 2021, Hammon made history as the first woman to lead an NBA team when she took charge briefly after Popovich's ejection in a game against the Lakers in 2020. She also made headlines by becoming the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League and was a candidate for the Trail Blazers' head coaching position in 2021 before joining the Aces.

After making waves as a champion coach in the WNBA, winning a title in her rookie season, she added another championship to her accolades in 2022. Despite being a beloved figure among Spurs fans who hoped she might step into Popovich's shoes, Hammon is content in her current position.

"I’m super happy where I am. This opportunity was one I couldn’t turn down," she stated. "I chose to invest in myself rather than hold out for an uncertain future in the NBA. My love for this team and the women’s game is unwavering."

Looking ahead, Hammon emphasized that any future leap into the NBA would need to align perfectly with her aspirations, stating, "If I were to make that jump again, it has to be the right fit, at the right time, with the right team."