Not publicity. Apparently she and Pops go way back. Pops is willing to take publicity hits, and even fines from the league, to put his team in a position to win. He isn’t going to weaken the team for PR.
Exactly. I’ve seen Hammon play, and she has a great basketball IQ. Many of her passes are worthy of Ginobili, and she has an excellent knowledge of where everyone on the court is now and where they will be as the play executes. That’s the kind of stuff that makes a good coach. Plus, she already did a turn as an “unpaid assistant coach” last season and has a great rapport with the players. Since everybody from the Championship squad came back, I don’t see any issues.
Not to mention Pop will like having someone on the bench with whom he can converse in Russian.
IN POP WE TRUST!!! GO SPURS GO!!!