Becky Hammon was named as one of three finalists for Portland’s head-coaching vacancy earlier this month. The job eventually went to former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, a favorite of GM Neil Olshey, who was working in the Clippers front office when Billups played for them late in his career. Despite being well-respected around the league, Billups’ hiring has generated significant controversy owing to a sexual assault allegation from 1997. Charges were never brought against Billups, though the former Pistons and Nuggets star eventually settled a civil suit with his alleged victim, paying an undisclosed amount in 2000. When the subject was raised by a reporter during Billups’ introductory press conference Tuesday, a member of the Blazers PR team quickly intervened.
Hammon, a six-time WNBA All-Star who has served as an assistant under Spurs coach Gregg Popovich since 2014, appeared to have all the necessary qualifications for the job, though, as was the case when she interviewed for the Bucks’ head-coaching position in 2018, the Blazers ultimately turned her down. Per Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Trail Blazers owner and chairwoman Jody Allen was the “strongest champion” for Hammon, who reportedly “impressed” in her interview and was “generally liked” among team staffers. However, “San Antonio figures” were not as complimentary when the Blazers inquired about Hammon, raising questions about her day-to-day preparations and ability to steer a team through “delicate waters.”
Hiring Billups was thought to be a peace offering of sorts to disgruntled superstar Damian Lillard, who many suspect will eye a trade to a contending team elsewhere in the absence of major changes following Portland’s fourth first-round exit in five years. Passing on Hammon would be one thing, but wanting credit for interviewing a woman, then subsequently hiring a male candidate with a checkered past is the NBA equivalent of having your cake and eating it too.
The league’s continued infatuation with Mavs newcomer Jason Kidd, now in his third NBA head-coaching stint, is similarly problematic. Kidd previously pled guilty to domestic violence charges stemming from his first marriage and also has a drunk driving arrest on his record. Whether Billups and Kidd deserve redemption is ultimately up to each individual team to decide, though you can hardly blame fans for being disappointed that both got their dream jobs while Hammon was told, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Hammon’s snub is only made worse by the fact members of her OWN ORGANIZATION essentially nuked her chances of getting the Portland job.
This could be a blessing in disguise for Hammon who, in a few years, may very well succeed Popovich as the Spurs’ next head coach. But that doesn’t make Hammon’s rejection in favor of an alleged abuser any less frustrating.
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