When the aging San Antonio Spurs basketball team recently defeated LeBron James and the Miami Heat (reigning NBA champions), Greg Popovich (Spurs Coach) and R.C. Buford (Spurs GM) were lauded for their innovative practices in recruiting “role players” and building a “team first”, “non-star” philosophy, which enables them to conserve the energy of their aging veteran players and thoroughly outplay the Miami Heat in a one-sided NBA Finals.
Well, the Spurs have not been resting on their laurels since winning the NBA championship. In another innovative recruiting move, they recently signed Becky Hammon, a soon-to-be retiring WNBA star, as an assistant coach.
What a great example of gender diversity in the selection of Hammon to her new post.
Please read the attached CNN article which includes comments from Popovich, Buford, Hammon, and some of the players. It’s clear the Spurs considered Hammon’s basketball skills, work ethic, and interpersonal skills…and did not let gender influence their decision. It also fits the Spurs’ philosophy that Hammon was un-drafted by the WNBA in ’99 and went on to become one of the top 15 all-time players. Hammon has a history of over-delivering and exceeding the expectations of others.
This is a great step for the San Antonio Spurs, an innovation the NBA can build upon, and it sets a great example for businesses in every sector.
Read complete article…San Antonio Spurs hire Becky Hammon as assistant coach
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