Popovich on Hammon: 'She's a special, special woman.'

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LAS VEGAS – Gregg Popovich avoided answering any Spurs-related questions Thursday after directing the first day of practice at the Team USA minicamp.

He did, however, make an exception when a reporter asked him about assistant coach Becky Hammon.

"She's a special, special woman," Popovich said. "You know we promoted her again. She's going to be on the front of the bench now, sitting next to me. She's not behind the bench anymore. She's on the bench because J.B. Borrego took the head job in Charlotte. So she's replacing him. That's how much I think of her."

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The promotion makes Hammon the first female NBA coach to sit on her team's bench. Popovich said it's a sign of how much the players respect her.

"She knows her stuff," he said. "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."

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, left, talks with guard Patty Mills (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Nets, in San Antonio. Click through to see 10 reasons why Hammon rocks. less San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, left, talks with guard Patty Mills (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Nets, in San Antonio. Click through to see 10 reasons ... more Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Popovich on Hammon: 'She's a special, special woman.' 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

Popovich was asked if Hammon's success with the Spurs will lead to other NBA teams hiring female coaches.

"I hope so," he said. "I hope that other people follow the example and just look at who is qualified, who can do it, who would be respected. Everyone can't do what Becky is doing. She is very special. But there are other special women out there too who can do it, so hopefully other people will figure that out."

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