The New York Liberty hired the Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco, replacing Sandy Brondello. Before that, the search was conducted among many other WNBA and NBA assistant coaches who could fill the role.
One of the names in discussion was Lindsey Harding, an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and a former WNBA player.
While many analysts criticized the new trend of hiring from the NBA to the WNBA for head coach positions, the Lakers’ assistant coach had a different experience, and she recently reflected on the idea.
Lindsey Harding Talks About WNBA Helping Her In NBA Coaching
There are very few female coaches in the NBA who have made a mark at the highest level. The Seattle Storm Coach, Sonia Raman, and the Las Vegas Aces coach, Becky Hammon, had some success with their NBA teams as assistant coaches. Analyst Stephen A. Smith even wants Becky Hammon to return as a coach for an NBA team.
While there are these two impactful individuals, one name that adds to the list is Lindsey Harding, who joins JJ Reddick’s staff at the Lakers and with their current form, she is also the talk of the town. But the coach thanks her WNBA roots for the success, as she said, “Being in this role, you have to have a mentality of the grind. You’re always grinding when the season starts. You have to be willing to work and grind to do that.”
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She added that there are different important role that takes time off your schedule, and one needs to always be ready for the challenge. Being in the WNBA and having first-hand experience as a player helped her, as she mentioned.
The 41-year-old assistant coach added that one has to have confidence and be strong in what they are doing.
Lindsey Harding Would Succeed In WNBA Coaching Role
Before joining the Lakers’ team, the Former Lynx player was the head coach of the G League team and even won the Coach of the Year award. She became the second woman of all time to coach a men’s professional team in the United States.
During the interview, she pointed out very valid points, reflecting on her short coaching career, but she might just find success with the WNBA team, too, as the league is always looking for talented coaches with new ideas.
As a player herself and a scout and player development coach in the NBA, the former WNBA star has undergone all the drills necessary to become a successful coach. The Lakers’ latest results highlight her impact on the team and could be another valuable addition to the league, just like Hammon.