Hammon reaffirms size-based championship theory as Knicks reach NBA Finals
Becky Hammon maintains that historical NBA data supports her view that small guards rarely lead teams to titles, citing Allen Iverson while acknowledging Brunson’s exceptional play.
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has reaffirmed her 2023 assertion that an NBA team cannot win a championship if its best player is small, following the New York Knicks' series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to reach the NBA Finals. Hammon, who cited Allen Iverson as a historical example of a small guard who did not win a title, acknowledged Jalen Brunson is a "hell of a player" but maintained her perspective based on historical data. She identified Steph Curry as the only exception to her rule due to his shooting ability.
The Knicks advanced to the Finals for the first time since 1999, with Brunson named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after averaging 25.5 points and 7.5 assists in the series sweep. The 6-foot-2 guard is now four wins away from leading the Knicks to their first title since 1973. Hammon was asked about her years-old comments after the sweep, noting that she speaks from experience and historical precedent rather than personal bias against the Knicks.
"I stand by it," Hammon said. "I said what I said. If he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong. Good for him. But I do think the two best teams are in the West, and you know who I'm cheering for." She clarified that her comments were based on a historical philosophy regarding the NBA, distinguishing Brunson as an excellent player while maintaining that his size presents a historical barrier to championship success.
Hammon’s stance draws on a specific historical framework. In a 2023 discussion, she noted that since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976, only two small guards have won a title as the definitive best player on their team: Isiah Thomas and Steph Curry. She placed Curry in a "different class" due to his shooting ability, while citing John Stockton and Steve Nash as examples of guards who did not achieve the ultimate goal. Hammon argued that the two best teams in the league are currently in the Western Conference.
The Las Vegas Aces coach has a significant track record in the WNBA, having spent 16 seasons as a player and later serving as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs before taking the Aces job. As a player, Hammon went 0-4 in the WNBA Finals, losing three times with the New York Liberty and once with the San Antonio Silver Stars. Despite never winning a title as a player, she has won three championships as a coach. Her perspective on the challenges of leading a team as a small guard is informed by both her playing career and her coaching experience.
