The Charlotte Hornets have received approval to interview Lindsey Harding, the head coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings, for their head-coaching position, according to a league source. This potential move could mark a historic moment as Harding could become the first woman to lead an NBA team.
Harding, a former top pick in the WNBA Draft, boasts an impressive basketball background. She was named the Naismith Player of the Year in 2007 and had a successful nine-season career in the WNBA. After retiring as a player, Harding transitioned into coaching, gaining experience as a scout and player development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers before becoming an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings and eventually taking on the head coaching role for the Stockton Kings.
Last season, Harding led the Stockton Kings to an impressive 24-10 record, earning her the title of NBA G League Coach of the Year. In addition to her coaching duties in the G League, Harding has also coached the Mexican women’s national team and previously coached South Sudan’s women’s team.
Despite the rarity of women in coaching positions in the NBA, there has been a gradual increase in opportunities for women in various coaching roles within the league. Notably, Becky Hammon made history as the first woman to serve as a head coach in an NBA game for the San Antonio Spurs in 2020. Her success has paved the way for more women to pursue coaching careers in professional basketball.
The potential hiring of Lindsey Harding by the Charlotte Hornets not only signifies a significant step towards gender equality in the NBA coaching ranks but also highlights the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to the sport. If selected, Harding would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Hornets, marking a new chapter in NBA history.