5 potential replacements for Scott Brooks as Wizards head coach

4. Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon is reportedly a finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers job, so this wouldn’t just be about breaking an NBA glass ceiling. As cool as it would be to see Hammon become the first female head coach in a major American pro sport, all that matters is the fact that she’s really good at what she does.

As a 16-year WNBA veteran, she has a wealth of real-life playing experience. It may not have been in the NBA, but her understanding of the game in its purest form is impeccable.

Her coaching experience is even better. Hammon has spent the last eight years learning from San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. She knows what it takes to win at the highest level, coaching top-tier players while also developing diamonds in the rough.

Just consider Pau Gasol’s beaming praise of the assistant coach during his time with the Spurs: “I’ve played under two of the sharpest minds in the history of sports, in Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich. And I’m telling you: Becky Hammon can coach. I’m not saying she can coach pretty well. I’m not saying she can coach enough to get by. I’m not saying she can coach almost at the level of the NBA’s male coaches. I’m saying: Becky Hammon can coach NBA basketball. Period.”

The Wizards could be the team bold and brave enough to give Hammon the reins.