New Spurs Coach: Manu Ginobili or Becky Hammon? Who you got?

[bigzak25]

First of all, Godbless Pop! I hope he recovers fully and has a nice peaceful and well deserved retirement. One of the greatest coaches of all time, across all leagues. We are in debt to you Pop. Thank-you!

Now, down to business. Hey, I like Mitch Johnson, but we're here to win Championships! (Multiple)

With that said, I believe this is a pivotal year to establish a new Coach with their system and bring this team together as legitimate Championship contenders this coming year.

I believe the Spurs will Win The NBA Championship the year after next and we will see the beginning of a new and 2nd Dynasty for Our beloved San Antonio Spurs!

So who would you prefer leading this team? Manu or Becky?

I don't think we could go wrong with either, but I think Manu would prefer to stay in his current role, and we all know Hammon is a Championship Coach. And Yes, she could Coach in this league without issue and she would command and earn the respect of her players and this League.

So are you ready for this? Go Spurs Go! :flag:

https://youtu.be/Pa2Rjxrau0U?si=8o91aVQQUQQsjFRP

[ambchang]

I want Jenkins.

[cd98]

They need to hire an experienced coach that has a track record of winning. I don't think Manu would do it as he appears to want to spend time with his family and I would not experiment on a female coach with this team. I'm not saying it's not possible, but once you hire the first female coach, you basically can't fire her even if she does a bad job. At least not without taking heat. They need to be a playoff team next season to keep Wemby happy. I would hire Mike Malone and test the water on Dan Hurley. Every top coach that is available will be interested in coaching a Wemby-led team. Spurs should have their pick of the top talented coaches.

[bigzak25]

They need to hire an experienced coach that has a track record of winning. I don't think Manu would do it as he appears to want to spend time with his family and I would not experiment on a female coach with this team. I'm not saying it's not possible, but once you hire the first female coach, you basically can't fire her even if she does a bad job. At least not without taking heat. They need to be a playoff team next season to keep Wemby happy. I would hire Mike Malone and test the water on Dan Hurley. Every top coach that is available will be interested in coaching a Wemby-led team. Spurs should have their pick of the top talented coaches.

You make good points. I'll have to look into these other coaches. I think Hammon would be gold though. No doubt she knows her basketball.

[Ice009]

CD98 brings up a great point there that I never thought about. I always thought you can just let Becky go if it doesn't work out, but if it's going to be the first female HC hired, then I'm not sure you can fire hire without any major backlash.

On a side note, what happened to the female assistant coach the Spurs had on the bench a couple of years ago? Did they let her go, or did she leave?

[Rosewood]

Manu because I’m misogynistic.

[bigzak25]

CD98 brings up a great point there that I never thought about. I always thought you can just let Becky go if it doesn't work out, but if it's going to be the first female HC hired, then I'm not sure you can fire hire without any major backlash.

On a side note, what happened to the female assistant coach the Spurs had on the bench a couple of years ago? Did they let her go, or did she leave?

I'm not sure what happened to that previous female coach.

Hammon would win Championships here so firing her is a moot argument.

[bigzak25]

Manu because I’m misogynistic.

Lol. He'd be a great coach imo.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Mah Beck

[ginobilized]

Hammon has won championships as a coach and player and is fiery as hell. Between the two, she'd be my pick.

Vogel, Jenkins, Malone, and Bud from the unemployment line.

Snyder and Udoka if we could pilfer from current coaches.

[itzsoweezee]

Why would Manu want to coach? He seems more interested in the front office anyway

[Dex]

Manu Ginobili has shown zero intention that he wants to coach, so not sure where these rumors are coming from.

Love the dude and glad he still hangs around the team, but you don't go from a Special Advisor a.k.a. "guy who shows up to shoot-around occasionally" to NBA head coach.

He seems more interested in traveling and being around his family, and I don't blame him one bit.

[mudyez]

I'm all with OP...both would be great.

I'd prefer Becky, as she has the coaching experience.

[weeks]

I don't want Manu to coach because he's one of my favorite all time players and being coach would inevitably sour that, as coaches are almost always reviled by fans of their team

[Russ]

Becky Hammon? Manu Ginobili?

How about Tony Parker?

(Just kidding.)

[dn0774]

Nah to Manu, he is clearly not on a coaching track and I don't blame him. Happy to have him in the org tho. I won't pretend to know Becky and her credentials, but the little i've read on this board from posters high on her seems enticing.

From the unemployment line I like Jenkins first followed by Vogel. Bud has a stench to him right now. Mike Malone has had recent success but reading about the toxic nature (and paranoia?) of his relationship with Booth has soured me on him a bit. Mike Brown is also out there I guess but I feel he at his best was barely average, not really interested in going down that road.

[Ice009]

Yeah, Mike Malone was at the very top of my list, but that crazy shit that was going down in Denver has put me off.

[Russ]

I don't want Manu to coach because he's one of my favorite all time players and being coach would inevitably sour that, as coaches are almost always reviled by fans of their team

I get the impression that Manu may be thinking of SA as his home town.

You don't want to be the head coach of any team in your home town.

[ismael-robert]

Can't have a coach who can't go in locker room

[GAustex]

Manu no he needs to remain a legend and stay away. Maybe front office.

Becky no way. Imagine being a player. Do you think these type A super athletes want to be coached by Becky? I just do not think the dynamics work.

But the spurs have proven as an organization to have their head up their ass so who knows.

Ime is a pipe dream, Synder too. Jenkins I think.

[Obstructed_View]

The Spurs had a golden opportunity to throw a lifeline to Ime and prep him to take over for Pop and they blew it.

The key to the next head coach is if he can bring in assistants to teach the right things and prepare the team to succeed. Doesn't matter how good a head coach is if his assistants are retards.

[Ice009]

Didn't Ime want to leave because there was no path to being a head coach in SA anytime soon (at the time that he left)?

[bigzak25]

You guys are awesome. I appreciate the feedback. Go Spurs Go!

[widowmaker]

Bruce Bowen

[TekXX]

They had a chance with Becky but pop didn't want to give up the throne for her so i doubt she's coming back. Manu doesn't want to coach obviously.

[spurraider21]

everyone thinks manu wants to coach beacuse of that one time he drew up a play on the clipboard in the preseason

[bigzak25]

I just thought he'd make a great coach, but yeah his family is his priority, as it should be.

Not giving up on Becky coming back though...

[scott]

There is this inherent assumption that former Pop assistants/players would want to be his successor... but it's quite possible that none of them do. While on the paper the Spurs have a great situation (Wemby, b2b ROTY's, lots of draft capital, etc), following up a legend comes with lots of risks. Usually in organizations, someone taking over for a very popular and successful long time leader is a situation that is very hard to thrive in. When this happens in the corporate world with founders or long-time CEOs moving on, their replacements are usually transitory and short-term, because it is so hard to live up your predecessor.

In many ways, I thought Mitch would kind of help with this. Could his season as interim coach be viewed as that "transitory" coach and allows whomever the next coach will be to not have to live up to Pop's example? Probably not unfortunately, because Mitch's entire tenure was under the auspice of just keeping the seat warm for Pop. The Spurs might have been better off (had they known this was the path) Pop's retirement back in November, then Mitch would have been seen less as an interim and more as a coach undergoing a live tryout. When that didn't work, we'd be able to move on and the next person would be replacing Mitch and not Pop.

None of that actually matters now because we can't change the past... but I thought that would be some helpful context to keep in mind when considering who may want the Spurs job. I'll also caveat this by saying that the Spurs HC job is one of only 30 HC jobs, so some normal philosophy of organizational leadership go out the window... but I think a lot of it still applies. Basically... you don't want to be the guy or gal who fails in following Pop with Wemby on your roster.

[bigzak25]

There is this inherent assumption that former Pop assistants/players would want to be his successor... but it's quite possible that none of them do. While on the paper the Spurs have a great situation (Wemby, b2b ROTY's, lots of draft capital, etc), following up a legend comes with lots of risks. Usually in organizations, someone taking over for a very popular and successful long time leader is a situation that is very hard to thrive in. When this happens in the corporate world with founders or long-time CEOs moving on, their replacements are usually transitory and short-term, because it is so hard to live up your predecessor.

In many ways, I thought Mitch would kind of help with this. Could his season as interim coach be viewed as that "transitory" coach and allows whomever the next coach will be to not have to live up to Pop's example? Probably not unfortunately, because Mitch's entire tenure was under the auspice of just keeping the seat warm for Pop. The Spurs might have been better off (had they known this was the path) Pop's retirement back in November, then Mitch would have been seen less as an interim and more as a coach undergoing a live tryout. When that didn't work, we'd be able to move on and the next person would be replacing Mitch and not Pop.

None of that actually matters now because we can't change the past... but I thought that would be some helpful context to keep in mind when considering who may want the Spurs job. I'll also caveat this by saying that the Spurs HC job is one of only 30 HC jobs, so some normal philosophy of organizational leadership go out the window... but I think a lot of it still applies. Basically... you don't want to be the guy or gal who fails in following Pop with Wemby on your roster.

Good points Scott. Bet Becky would jump at the chance though.

P.S. when's the next poker night and what's the freetail specials looking like these days?

Good to see you online man.

[bigzak25]

.

[scott]

Good points Scott. Bet Becky would jump at the chance though.

P.S. when's the next poker night and what's the freetail specials looking like these days?

Good to see you online man.

I sold the brewery almost a decade ago now, so I can't help you there. I'm living in Hawaii these days, enjoying the sun, water and family. Poker night is whenever folks want to make the trip over to the islands :lol

[superbigtime]

Sam Cassell anyone?

[Ice009]

Who's Cassell working for? I assume he's an assistant with one of the current playoff teams?

Edit : I see he's with the Celtics.

[bigzak25]

I sold the brewery almost a decade ago now, so I can't help you there. I'm living in Hawaii these days, enjoying the sun, water and family. Poker night is whenever folks want to make the trip over to the islands :lol

No kidding. Man. Time flies. Hope those fires didn't impact you over there...that was scary and tragic.

We'll see if I make it over to the Islands one day. If so, I'll hit you up bro.

[bigzak25]

Sam Cassell anyone?

He's got Rockets stink on him...lol

[mo7888]

Who's Cassell working for? I assume he's an assistant with one of the current playoff teams?

Edit : I see he's with the Celtics.

If we look at assistants my top two would be 1)Chris Quinn (Miami) and 2) Sam Cassell (Boston)

[mo7888]

If we look at assistants my top two would be 1)Chris Quinn (Miami) and 2) Sam Cassell (Boston)

If we're looking at current/ head coaches my list would be:

1)Quinn Snyder
2)Taylor Jenkins
3) Mike Budenholzer
4)Frank Vogel
5) Mike Malone

I realize Snyder isnt available, but with their transition there you might be able to shake him loose.

[rascal]

Charles Barkley

He couldn't win one as a player.

[Ice009]

If we look at assistants my top two would be 1)Chris Quinn (Miami) and 2) Sam Cassell (Boston)

Didn't Chris Quinn have a short stint with the Spurs and back then touted as a likely future coach due to having a great BBIQ/Basketball mind. Wasn't there also another player that had a short stint with the Spurs around the same time that is also coaching. I can't quite remember all these guys. You have Ime, Chris Quinn, Jacque Vaughn and maybe another player or two I am forgetting about.
Spurs bought in some high level guys during the TD era. Even if some weren't the great players, they were destined to be coaches.

[ambchang]

Sam Cassell anyone?

I can see him connecting very well with wemby with their alien background.

[Russ]

Just do whatever you need to do to get Coach Bud.

[RC_Drunkford]

Just do whatever you need to do to get Coach Bud.

just tell him the last time we fired somebody was in the late 90s

[Russ]

just tell him the last time we fired somebody was in the late 90s

Late 90s?

Bob Hill was only in his late 40s.

:flag:

[bigzak25]

I can see him connecting very well with wemby with their alien background.

Lmao

[mo7888]

Didn't Chris Quinn have a short stint with the Spurs and back then touted as a likely future coach due to having a great BBIQ/Basketball mind. Wasn't there also another player that had a short stint with the Spurs around the same time that is also coaching. I can't quite remember all these guys. You have Ime, Chris Quinn, Jacque Vaughn and maybe another player or two I am forgetting about.
Spurs bought in some high level guys during the TD era. Even if some weren't the great players, they were destined to be coaches.

Honestly, I haven't really looked at him pre-miami. So I'm not sure if he came through SA at some point.

[bigzak25]

Just do whatever you need to do to get Coach Bud.

Russ. You're a genius. Bud is available. Just got fired. He was Giannis Championship Coach. So Giannis has loyalty to him.

Hire Bud. Giannis forced trade to Spurs. Championships signed, sealed, delivered.

Well done team. We just solved everything.

Let's party. I'm having a coke and cheetos to Celebrate!

[HankChinaski]

If we're looking at current/ head coaches my list would be:

1)Quinn Snyder
2)Taylor Jenkins
3) Mike Budenholzer
4)Frank Vogel
5) Mike Malone

I realize Snyder isnt available, but with their transition there you might be able to shake him loose.
I like that list except for Mike Malone.

Quinn Snyder would be in the top of my list too. I have liked what he has done previously to date.

[mo7888]

I like that list except for Mike Malone.

Quinn Snyder would be in the top of my list too. I have liked what he has done previously to date.

I had Malone higher, but when the Denver skuttlebut came out I dropped him to last.

[tim_duncan_fan]

Just do whatever you need to do to get Coach Bud.

Is Bud actually good?

[bigzak25]

Is Bud actually good?

4 titles with Spurs and head coach of 2021 championship Bucks.

[Chomag]

Someone refresh my memory on why Bud was fired a year after he ringed with the Bucks? His most current stent didn't seem all the impressive and I'm not sure what happened there if he is considered a good coach

[Ice009]

Honestly, I haven't really looked at him pre-miami. So I'm not sure if he came through SA at some point.

He played half about half a season's worth of games for the Spurs. I could remember how long he was with the Spurs so I looked it up. The other guy I was trying to think of is Blake Ahearn who only played a few games for the Spurs. I remembered a guy that only played a few games and I thought that was Chris Quinn, but it wasn't as he had played a lot more games for the Spurs than Ahearn. Does anyone know if Ahearn has done much NBA coaching?

[RC_Drunkford]

Someone refresh my memory on why Bud was fired a year after he ringed with the Bucks? His most current stent didn't seem all the impressive and I'm not sure what happened there if he is considered a good coach

was fired after they lost in the first round 4-1 against the 8th seed Heat who went all the way to the finals. His brother died in an accident before game 5 and he wasn't really doing much from the sidelines. Giannis also missed the first 2 games of this series with an injury. Not really fair to fire him after that tbh.

[bigzak25]

was fired after they lost in the first round 4-1 against the 8th seed Heat who went all the way to the finals. His brother died in an accident before game 5 and he wasn't really doing much from the sidelines. Giannis also missed the first 2 games of this series with an injury. Not really fair to fire him after that tbh.

Thanks for the 411.

[Dod01]

I make silly predictions for fun, such as "Spurs will go 50-32", essentially in jest, but I don't guarantee that stuff. But I GUARANTEE that Manu and Becky would be GREAT NBA coaches.

Some people just have "IT". They both do, imo. But it seems both are unlikely to be our next coach as others have stated that Manu really doesn't want to coach, and Becky coming to coach here is also just simply unlikely.

Out of the 2, my choice would be Manu first, then Becky. They'd be great coaches wherever* they'd go though, (*barring going to teams that would be absolute bottom feeders in talent, which makes 99% of coaches look bad anyways) in my opinion.

Since both are unlikely, any of the more realistic choices from the coaches with experience on the availability menu, such as the following coaches mo788 mentioned:

1)Quinn Snyder
2)Taylor Jenkins
3) Mike Budenholzer
4)Frank Vogel
5) Mike Malone

Any of these choices would be welcomed, and obviously more realistic as well choices that wouldn't be upsetting in the least. You could do alot worse than these guys, imo.

[mystargtr34]

Jeff Van Gundy.

[exstatic]

Jeff Van Gundy.

F no. His offense is like watching paint dry.

[bigzak25]

I make silly predictions for fun, such as "Spurs will go 50-32", essentially in jest, but I don't guarantee that stuff. But I GUARANTEE that Manu and Becky would be GREAT NBA coaches.

Some people just have "IT". They both do, imo. But it seems both are unlikely to be our next coach as others have stated that Manu really doesn't want to coach, and Becky coming to coach here is also just simply unlikely.

Out of the 2, my choice would be Manu first, then Becky. They'd be great coaches wherever* they'd go though, (*barring going to teams that would be absolute bottom feeders in talent, which makes 99% of coaches look bad anyways) in my opinion.

Since both are unlikely, any of the more realistic choices from the coaches with experience on the availability menu, such as the following coaches mo788 mentioned:

1)Quinn Snyder
2)Taylor Jenkins
3) Mike Budenholzer
4)Frank Vogel
5) Mike Malone

Any of these choices would be welcomed, and obviously more realistic as well choices that wouldn't be upsetting in the least. You could do alot worse than these guys, imo.

Thanks for the take man.

I'm all in on hiring Coach Bud.

Whether that lures Giannis or not.

Coach Bud has the history here under Pop and would be easy to support, not to mention, he's a Championship Coach in his own right. And he's available. And Kevin Durant might be also tempted to join the Spurs and Wemby and Crew for a good shot at a title.

[scott]

Is PJ completely done with coaching and enjoying a retired life? Or maybe just too far removed from the game to be impactful these days? I always liked him and think he could be a nice veteran assistant if we went with a younger, less experienced HC. Though, it looks like it's been over 10 years since he coached anywhere... game may have completely passed him by at this point.

[NASpurs]

Can we also return to the days of hiring assistants who were specialized at something? I just see the fifteen loser assistants and think “who are you and wtf are you doing”.

Like hire Mike Brown for defense and D’Antoni for offense as assistants. Sounds like I’m still stuck in 2005 but you get what I mean.

[bigzak25]

Can we also return to the days of hiring assistants who were specialized at something? I just see the fifteen loser assistants and think “who are you and wtf are you doing”.

Like hire Mike Brown for defense and D’Antoni for offense as assistants. Sounds like I’m still stuck in 2005 but you get what I mean.

Need Chip Engelland back!

[spurraider21]

manu making his coaching debut

https://www.lanueva.com/nota/2025-4-23-9-7-0-manu-ginobili-debutara-como-entrenador-no-me-gusta-perder-contra-estados-unidos

for a mr beast video :lol

[Russ]

Can we also return to the days of hiring assistants who were specialized at something? I just see the fifteen loser assistants and think “who are you and wtf are you doing”.

Like hire Mike Brown for defense and D’Antoni for offense as assistants. Sounds like I’m still stuck in 2005 but you get what I mean.

You had me until the hire D'Antoni for offense part.

[bigzak25]

manu making his coaching debut

https://www.lanueva.com/nota/2025-4-23-9-7-0-manu-ginobili-debutara-como-entrenador-no-me-gusta-perder-contra-estados-unidos

for a mr beast video :lol

Cool. Maybe Manu has an itch to coach afterall...

[Dod01]

Thanks for the take man.

I'm all in on hiring Coach Bud.

Whether that lures Giannis or not.

Coach Bud has the history here under Pop and would be easy to support, not to mention, he's a Championship Coach in his own right. And he's available. And Kevin Durant might be also tempted to join the Spurs and Wemby and Crew for a good shot at a title.

No problem sir! Would love Coach Bud as well. Could do much worse than a championship winning coach! Didn't deserve getting fired from the Bucks all things considered. They are canning coaches with winning records during the season, coming off a chip, etc. F'n brutal.

[mystargtr34]

Is Jim Boylen available ?

[Obstructed_View]

Not having a bunch of retarded sycophants as assistants would be amazing. I approve of the Tim Duncan experiment, but that and every other assistant coaching decision the last five years has been a dumpster fire.

[SnakeBoy]

I got Pop

...and the Spurs will remaining unwatchable

[dbestpro]

Coach Bud head coach and PJ as asst. Double Chips salary to bring him back. Hes that good.

[Chomag]

PJ will always go down as one of the most underrated coaches Spurs have ever had. However he has been out of it for to long and don't think he would be the same at this point.

[Ice009]

PJ will always go down as one of the most underrated coaches Spurs have ever had. However he has been out of it for to long and don't think he would be the same at this point.

Did you hear him commentating with Toby those couple of games he filled in for Sean? If so, it sounded to me like he's still very clued in, but man, his voice is not good. Pure gravel at this point. Too much yelling as a coach I assume.

[SupremeGuy]

I've been a fan of Mitch lol I don't think he was allowed to coach.

If not him, then either Manu or Bud. Someone that knows the organization.

Would Manu even want the job though?

[bigzak25]

I got Pop

...and the Spurs will remaining unwatchable

Don't touch that dial just yet, our Spurs bout to win a title bro.

[bigzak25]

Coach Bud head coach and PJ as asst. Double Chips salary to bring him back. Hes that good.

I LOVE this plan.

[bigzak25]

PJ will always go down as one of the most underrated coaches Spurs have ever had. However he has been out of it for to long and don't think he would be the same at this point.

No worries bro. Coach Bud Got This!

[bigzak25]

PJ will always go down as one of the most underrated coaches Spurs have ever had. However he has been out of it for to long and don't think he would be the same at this point.

As an assistant though. He'd be amazing.

[bigzak25]

Did you hear him commentating with Toby those couple of games he filled in for Sean? If so, it sounded to me like he's still very clued in, but man, his voice is not good. Pure gravel at this point. Too much yelling as a coach I assume.


Okay, let's put throat coat tea on the Spurs shopping list. Haha...

[bigzak25]

I've been a fan of Mitch lol I don't think he was allowed to coach.

If not him, then either Manu or Bud. Someone that knows the organization.

Would Manu even want the job though?

If Manu wanted the job, how Amazing would that be?!

Wow! Would be so awesome!!!

[bigzak25]

Then coach Bud could come on as an assistant with PJ.

Our coaching staff would be stacked!!!

[exstatic]

Then coach Bud could come on as an assistant with PJ.

Our coaching staff would be stacked!!!

Coach Bud is collecting a handsome check from PHO for the next however many years his contract ran. He loses that if he takes another job, so it won’t be an assistant gig.

[Ice009]

Coach Bud is collecting a handsome check from PHO for the next however many years his contract ran. He loses that if he takes another job, so it won’t be an assistant gig.

I thought you still get paid the difference, or do you lose it outright?

So if he takes another job for $5 million and he's getting paid 10M by the Suns or whatever that number is, does that mean he lose the 5M? If so, then I don't see him taking another job at all as I doubt anyone will pay him whatever Phoenix is currently paying him.

[exstatic]

I thought you still get paid the difference, or do you lose it outright?

So if he takes another job for $5 million and he's getting paid 10M by the Suns or whatever that number is, does that mean he lose the 5M? If so, then I don't see him taking another job at all as I doubt anyone will pay him whatever Phoenix is currently paying him.

He loses the bag. All of it.

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, Monty Williams is coaching his son's HS team in SA for free for that very reason afaik.

[Ice009]

He loses the bag. All of it.


Yeah, Monty Williams is coaching his son's HS team in SA for free for that very reason afaik.

Yeah, wow, OK, well then I don't think he'll want to take another coaching job if it's for less money and he loses money, there's just no reason to throw away millions. After getting fired in Milwaukee and Phoenix, I don't see another team offering him anywhere near 10M a year (What is he actually making?).

[dn0774]

He loses the bag. All of it.

I actually don't think that is the case, typical coaching contracts have an offset clause to my understanding. If you get another coaching gig (or assistant gig I guess) the team that previously fired the coach would pay the difference if there is any. Now, most fired coaches aren't going to go coach for free essentially so they stay out of coaching until their initial contract is concluded.

Here was a x post talking about the Monty situation a few years ago...
https://x.com/Gambo987/status/1664298967881109504

Wouldn't be surprised if contract stipulation vary between coaches though.

[dn0774]

Jeff Van Gundy seems to be getting a lot of buzz again lately for HC positions thanks to the Clippers beating expectations. Wonder where he ends up if he does take the leap.

[The Truth #6]

I still think Bud was smart financially for taking the PHX job. Getting fired after one season was always likely. He gets one year to try and get a title, realistically, and he either succeeds or gets paid to finally see his family.