‘It’s not surprising for me at all’

DeMar DeRozan expressed his utmost admiration for coach Becky Hammon after securing her second consecutive WNBA championship title with the Las Vegas Aces. The duo collaborated for a span of three years during Hammon’s tenure as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich. Following the Aces’ triumphant victory over the New York Liberty, sealing the series at 3-1 despite the absence of star point guard Chelsea Gray, DeRozan reached out to Hammon to extend his heartfelt congratulations.

For the first time since the Los Angeles Sparks’ back-to-back victories in 2001 and 2002, the Aces emerged as the initial team to seize consecutive WNBA championships.

“She is an extraordinary individual,” DeRozan stated after the Bulls’ 114-105 preseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center. “A remarkable competitor with a profound understanding of the game. My experience with her as an assistant coach in San Antonio was nothing short of remarkable.”

Hammon served as an assistant coach in San Antonio for an impressive duration of eight seasons, cultivating her reputation as a highly viable candidate for a future head coaching position. Propelling her significance further, she shattered boundaries in December 2020 when she became the first female head coach in an NBA game after Popovich’s ejection. The subsequent year, the Aces made the astute decision to employ Hammon, immediately reaping the benefits as she orchestrated the team’s inaugural championship triumph.

During DeRozan’s tenure with the Spurs, Hammon seamlessly assumed the role of a “big sister” figure, consistently displaying an extensive basketball acumen while unflinchingly adopting a challenging approach towards the players.

“She exuded the identity of one of us, possessing an unparalleled basketball IQ as a former player, one of the most exceptional athletes in the WNBA,” DeRozan articulated. “I harbored no doubt that regardless of her destination, she would aspire to dominate. Witnessing her triumph comes as no surprise, and I am genuinely elated for her success.”