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Now that you’re really immersed in the job, have you seen gains across the NBA in terms of more women getting hired, including more Black women, as coaches or in front offices? Swin Cash: I think with COVID, this whole pandemic, bubbles and everything else, I got hired and haven’t had one normal NBA season yet. ... I give a lot of credit across the league to teams. There was a wave when I came in of women hires and then you saw Niele [Ivey] and Kara [Lawson] and other people go back to the women’s game or college, and you would think that that may slow down the process, or people were like, ‘Oh man, we had these great hires and they left.’ But then you look and then ‘alright, here’s the next wave coming in.’
The plan to look at making history with the first female head coach in the NBA is not unique to the Wizards. Though the Wizards are still putting their initial list of candidates together, several women have been mentioned for other vacancies like Spurs assistant Becky Hammon, Pelicans assistant Theresa Witherspoon, Duke head coach Kara Lawson and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.
Brad Stevens hasn’t narrowed down a list of finalists for his replacement yet, but some fans have offered him some advice. A new billboard — paid for by Six Star Pro Nutrition — was placed near the Celtics’ practice facility and calls for Stevens, Boston’s new president of basketball operations, to hire a female coach, either Kara Lawson or Becky Hammon, after Stevens was promoted to replace Danny Ainge. “Hey Brad, it’s time to shake it up,” the billboard reads. “Hire Kara or Becky!”
Chris Grenham: The entire Celtics roster surprised Kara Lawson last night by wearing Duke t-shirts, which made her cry. “These men have changed my life. I have loved my time with the Boston Celtics. Our players are authentic, intelligent, creative and passionate men.” pic.twitter.com/ZqNXHiKEVE
The entire Celtics roster surprised Kara Lawson last night by wearing Duke t-shirts, which made her cry.
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) July 14, 2020
“These men have changed my life. I have loved my time with the Boston Celtics. Our players are authentic, intelligent, creative and passionate men.” pic.twitter.com/ZqNXHiKEVE
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Chris Grenham: Kara Lawson got choked up when she was asked about her experience with the Celtics. "It's been an emotional three days. ... I've built a lot of deep relationships with these guys. ... It's hard to leave."
Chris Grenham: Kara Lawson spoke to the Celtics before practice yesterday. Jayson Tatum spoke to the team about how excited he was for her to become a Blue Devil, while Enes Kanter asked her for a courtside seat.
Brian Robb: Brad Stevens on Kara Lawson taking job with Duke WBB: "We are thrilled for her. I can't say enough terrific things about her...she will be a great fit at Duke"
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Kara Lawson leaving Celtics to coach Duke
Duke has hired Boston Celtics assistant coach and former WNBA All-Star Kara Lawson to take over as coach of its women's basketball program, it was announced Saturday. The 39-year-old Lawson replaces Joanne P. McCallie, who announced last week she wouldn't return for a 14th season as she entered the final year of her contract. Lawson is the first Black head coach in the program's history.
Stephen Wiseman: Negotiations between @Kara Lawson and @DukeATHLETICS progressing. She's also working hard at her current job, coaching with @celtics, so both sides are working around practices. Everything points toward a deal happening.
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