Ranking the best available NBA head coaching candidates

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates after the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO,TX – OCTOBER 8: Filling in for head coach Gregg Popovich, Becky Hammon talks to Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs during game against the Denver Nuggets at AT&T Center on October 8, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

9. Becky Hammon

No woman has ever been named an NBA head coach, but sooner or later, Becky Hammon is a solid bet to break that barrier. She’s done excellent work for one of the league’s most consistent franchises.

If you’re starting to think this is a novelty pick, you need to think again. When you watch Hammon on the sidelines she clearly has the respect of Gregg Popovich and every player on the Spurs’ roster. If she can handle those egos she can work on any NBA sideline.

Furthermore, you really can’t advocate for other San Antonio assistants such as James Borrego or Ettore Messina if you aren’t willing to stump for Hammon as well. Their recent resumes are very similar.

The reality is that Hammon is probably still a season or two away from getting her big break. When she does, it’ll break down a massive NBA gender barrier. It will also give one NBA franchise a head coach with a lot of potential.

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