NBA Coaches: Ranking head coaches likely to be available this summer

6. Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson, currently doing color commentary with ESPN, most recently coached the Golden State Warriors and is often credited with starting the development of the biggest pieces of what has now been recognized as a dynasty.

Similar to recently fired Kenny Atkinson with the Brooklyn Nets, he wasn’t fired because he was doing a poor job, but more that his function with the team was on the developmental side. Steve Kerr was a better option to take the team to the next level, and the handoff has obviously gone very well for Golden State, having gone to five straight NBA Finals.

In Jackson’s three years with the Warriors, the team had a 121-109 record, making the playoffs in the final two years of his coaching tenure.

As a starting point guard for the 2000 Eastern Conference Champion Indiana Pacers, Jackson also has experience as a player in deep postseason situations that can be valuable for any team looking to compete.

Jackson has been tied to the Knicks supposed shortlist of coaching options should they decide to not promote Mike Miller from interim status. Having played for the team for the first five years of his career and winning Rookie of the Year in a Knicks uniform, Jackson is beloved in the city and understands the culture and the importance to fans of the Knicks being competitive again.

5. Becky Hammon

It’s about time Becky Hammon gets a shot at a head coaching gig. It’s about time we see a female head coach in the NBA, period.

Hammon became a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization while she was rehabbing from an ACL tear, hanging around the Spurs practice facility. She was invited to sit in on coaches’ meetings and encouraged to speak her mind, though not in a formal role on the coaching staff.

Clearly, she made an impression, because Gregg Popovich and the Spurs hired her shortly after.

Hammon has now worked under Pop’s wing for six seasons now, and every season it seems as if she moves up, both in title and in terms of reputation within the organization and the league.

I’d reckon that it may be some time before Hammon actually does take on a head coaching role in the NBA, though the impending likelihood that Pop wraps up his coaching career could speed the timeline.

Pop assistants usually hang around on staff for close to a decade (if not more) before taking on head coaching gigs. For reference, Brett Brown was on Pop’s staff for 9 years, Mike Budenholzer for 17.

Hammon, too, certainly understands the impact she will have if and when she accepts a head coaching gig. She’ll not just be representing herself, but blazing the path for all future female coaches in the NBA and pro sports.

Making sure the fit is just right is high on Hammon’s list, surely. Knowing the Spurs organization, motivations, and culture best, it may be in her best interest to wait until Pop leaves, succeeding him in the Alamo city.