Becky Hammon has a "heavy heart" for Gregg Popovich following his departure from his role as the coach for the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs announced Popovich's retirement as head coach after 29 years in the role, to become the team's president of basketball operations.

The 76-year-old suffered a mild stroke in December and has elected not to return to the sidelines, with Mitch Johnson temporarily taking over the reins and now taking charge on a permanent basis.

Las Vegas Aces coach Hammon served as Popovich's assistant from 2014 to 2021.

29 seasons of coaching brilliance pic.twitter.com/tGzy31hC7f

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) May 2, 2025

"[Gregg is the man] who mentored me, that's who spent literally thousands of hours with me," she said.

"I was there [nearly] eight years; it's a lot of games, it's a lot of practices, it's a lot of coaches' meetings. My heart's a little heavy for him because I know how much he loves it, but I'm sure he'll crush this role just as much."

Though not ruling out a future move back to the NBA, Hammon is content in her current role, which she has held since 2021, having led the Aces to two WNBA championships.

"I'm super happy where I am. This opportunity for me, I couldn't pass on it. I bet on myself instead of waiting it out for a maybe [in the NBA]," she added. 

"I've enjoyed being back on the women's side. You guys know I'm effusive about my love for this team and being back in the women's game.

"If I were to ever make that jump again, it just has to be the right fit, right time, in front of the right people, with the right team."