The San Antonio Spurs hired six-time WNBA all star Becky Hammon as an assistant coach, making her the first female full-time assistant coach in NBA history on Tuesday.

Hammon, also known as "Big Shot Becky," plays for the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA. She has been playing for the franchise since 2007, but missed most of last season due to a torn ACL.

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"I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich announced in a statement.

Popovich made it very clear that he hired Hammon because of her basketball IQ, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. "It just so happens you are a woman," Popovich said to Hammon.

 "I'm just grateful that they see something in me that fits in with them and their organization," Hammon said. "I feel incredibly blessed and I'll do my best ... and work my tail off."

Last month, Hammon, 37, announced her plans to retire after the season.

Popovich learned about Hammon's interest in coaching and he invited her to observe the Spurs last season. Hammon began attending the Spurs practices, film sessions and sat at the bench during the Spurs home games.

In May, Popovich invited the WNBA star to attend the team's practices and said Hammon "wants to coach after she's done."

Hammon is seventh top scorer in WNBA history with 5,809 points and fourth in assists with 1,687. She was also named one of the top 15 players of all time in July 2011.

She also played in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, suiting up for Russia because she is Russian by citizenship. Russia won the bronze medal against China.

TagsGreg Popovich, WNBA, ACL, San Antonio Silver Stars