Head Coach Candidate Profile: Lindsey Harding

Will Lindsey Harding become the first woman head coach of the NBA?

Apr 23, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings assistant coach Lindsey Harding / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Background

Lindsey Harding, a prominent figure in women's basketball, has emerged as a candidate for the open head coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets. Currently at the helm of the Sacramento Kings G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, Harding, 39, boasts a diverse background spanning both playing and coaching roles.

A standout athlete, Harding began making waves in the basketball world during her collegiate years at Duke University. Born on June 12, 1984, in Mobile, Alabama, Harding grew up in Houston, where she honed her skills on the court. Her impressive college career led to her selection as the No. 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury (traded to the Minnesota Lynx) in the 2007 WNBA Draft. She has also played overseas in Turkey and Russia.

After her WNBA career — stints with the Mercury, Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, and New York Liberty included — Harding transitioned into coaching. She initially served as a scout and player development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing her ability to analyze the game from multiple perspectives.

Harding's coaching journey continued to evolve as she spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings. Her expertise and dedication caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts, leading to her appointment as the head coach of the Stockton Kings.

Links to the Charlotte Hornets Organization

As far as we can tell, there doesn't seem to be any direct connection between Harding and the Hornets, at least not something as conspicuous as fellow Hornets HC prospect Lamar Skeeter having served with new Hornets GM Jeff Peterson when both were with the Atlanta Hawks. Peterson was a scout and coordinator of basketball operations for Atlanta during the 2013-14 season, while Skeeter was in player development.

Still, Harding's potential move to the Hornets signifies a significant step forward for women in basketball. Should she be selected, she would make history as the first woman to hold a head coaching position in the NBA. The Hornets' interest in Harding reflects a broader trend of increasing opportunities for women in coaching roles within professional basketball.

What People Say

• Named NBA G League Coach of the Year (2023–24) after leading the Kings to a G League-best 24-10 regular season record

●     As a player went WNBA All-Rookie Team, won Naismith College Player of the Year, WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year (all in 2007)

●     Sacramento Kings two-way player Jalen Slawson said of Harding, "I think she belongs in this industry as a whole. She takes a lot of her philosophies from coach Brown [Kings HC Mike Brown]. She garners the same amount of respect as coach Brown does. She's a fighter; she's a winner. She puts in just as much work as anybody else in either organization. She's so deserving of all the respect."

Coaching Strengths

Under Harding's leadership, the Stockton Kings have thrived, culminating in an impressive 24-10 regular-season record. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, as she was recently named the NBA G League Coach of the Year for the 2023-2024 season. Additionally, Harding has extended her coaching influence beyond the G League, serving as the head coach of the Mexican women's national team since 2022.

Coaching Weaknesses

On the face of things, any primary weaknesses in Harding seem inherent in the sport's ingrained separation of the sexes — after all, she didn't log time playing professionally under an NBA coach, as many former-player NBA coaching prospects have. Still, will she be the first to make history? (Other women coaches have interviewed with NBA teams for the HC position — Becky Hammon and Dawn Staley in 2021 — though neither got the job.)

Conclusion

As the Hornets continue their search for a new head coach, Lindsey Harding emerges as a compelling candidate with a wealth of experience and a track record of success. With her unique perspective and passion for the game, Harding represents the next chapter in the evolution of basketball coaching. Whether she secures the head coaching position with the Hornets or continues to make waves in the G League, Harding's impact on the sport is undeniable, leading the way for future generations of coaches, regardless of gender. What do you think?