Hornets Could Make Historic Hire with Latest Coach Candidate

Harding was the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Duke. In her senior season, Harding was named the Naismith College Player of the Year, WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, and the Nancy Lieberman Award winner as the Blue Devils went 32-2. In 2008, Duke retired Harding’s jersey.

After a solid nine-year WNBA career, Harding earned her first NBA job in 2019. The Philadelphia 76ers hired the first female coach in franchise history when they named her a player development coach. She was also a scout for the Sixers. Harding moved on to the Sacramento Kings for an assistant coach position that same year.

In 2021, Harding became the head coach of South Sudan’s women’s basketball team. In 2023, the Kings made her the head coach of their G League affiliate. After leading Stockton to a league-best 24-10 record and advancing to the Western Conference Finals, she became the first woman to win the G League Coach of the Year award.

Is Dawn Staley next?

No woman has ever been an NBA head coach. However, there’s been one that’s come close: former San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon.

Indeed, Hammon was once considered Gregg Popovich’s heir apparent before she took her talents to Nevada. There, she’s transformed the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces into a powerhouse. In fact, the Aces may be the most popular team in the W.

If South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley wanted to try her hand in the NBA, there’s a solid chance she could land a head coach gig. To that point, the Hornets are rumored to have her in consideration for their vacancy.

Staley has a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach. The former point guard is one of the more knowledgeable basketball minds, regardless of gender. She knows how to win, coaching the Gamecocks to three national championships. Yet, it’s her candor, ability to connect with players, and class that separates her from other candidates.