5 potential replacements for Nate Bjorkgren as Pacers head coach

Becky Hammon will be the first female head coach in NBA history very soon

If the Pacers want to hire a first-time head coach, the most qualified person for that job might be San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon. The former WNBA legend with the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Stars has served as an assistant coach under the iconic Gregg Popovich since 2014 shortly after her illustrious playing career came to an end. She may be the heiress apparent.

Going from one basketball-obsessed city to another should make for a smooth transition for Hammon. This is not one of those overly high-pressure jobs that will consume its head coach in a matter of minutes like it is in New York or Los Angeles. Hammon will be able to set the foundation she wants Pacers basketball to be right away, and should be embraced to do so by management.

However, there is a ton of appeal to staying put and taking over for Popovich once he decides to retire. She has been indoctrinated in Spurs culture for years, so that transition would be about as seamless as possible. Ownership will be more than accommodating in helping the first female head coach thrive in the NBA. She will get her opportunity, maybe as soon as this upcoming year.

What this really comes down to is if the Pacers are steadfast in their belief of hiring a retread or mainly if Hammon wants to leave a great situation in San Antonio for a good one in Indianapolis. Again, there are better jobs than the Pacers on the market, but it would certainly be something to see a female basketball trail blazer venture into untrodden territory in ultra-conservative Indiana.