The San Antonio Spurs' 5 best quotes about Becky Hammon

4. "She is setting an example for every woman out there." - Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Murray is yet another player that developed a close relationship with Becky Hammon, as she was on the bench when he got his start in 2016 and was around through his first six years in the league.

In late December of 2020, Hammon made history by becoming the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA regular-season game. Predictably, an ejection to Coach Popovich paved the way for the achievement, and several Spurs had plenty to say after the game.

"You've got to tip your hat to her," said Murray. "I pay attention to all those little things. She's been here since I got here. I've been watching her talk to every single player, whether he was a veteran dude or a young dude. Just using her voice and her knowledge of the game."

Murray went on to say the two developed a close bond off the court, with Hammon asking him about his kids and texting him on holidays often. During the women's college basketball tournament last year, Dejounte showed his respect for the Colorado State legend.

"Everyone here appreciates her," said Murray. "She is setting an example for every woman out there."

5. "Everyone can't do what Becky is doing. She is very special." - Gregg Popovich

Becky Hammon has made it clear that she's going to succeed in whatever she does. Shining at Colorado State and becoming one of the best players in WNBA history was just the beginning, as she also thrived on the sidelines for the Spurs for over eight years.

As she takes the next step in her remarkable career, it's only a matter of time before she takes the Las Vegas Aces to new heights. A man who knows a thing or two about succeeding, Gregg Popovich, has had plenty to say about his longtime right-hand coach.

"She knows her stuff," he said in 2018. "She's confident. The he-she thing doesn't fit at all. She's a coach, and just happens to be a she. That's it. If it was a he, and more qualified, I would have hired a he. But this she was qualified, and that's who I wanted."

While the wishes of many Spurs fans of Hammon becoming the next head coach didn't come true, that doesn't take away from how much she meant to Pop and the organization.

"She's a special, special woman," Popovich said. "Everyone can't do what Becky is doing. She is very special."