Nancy Lieberman has credited Becky Hammon for paving the way for women to be coaches in the men's professional game after she was hired by the Sacramento Kings.
Hammon made history when she became the first female coach in the NBA when she was hired by the San Antonio Spurs last year.
The 38-year-old's success with the Spurs has seen the Kings follow suit by hiring Lieberman as a coaching assistant, while NFL team the Arizona Cardinals made history by adding Jen Welter to their staff.
"First, I'm very proud of Becky as much as I'm proud of Jen Welter. I'm friends with both of them," Lieberman told reporters. "Just to see the opportunities that they got.
"Becky opened up a lot of doors even for myself with what the Spurs did and then with her success at the Summer League. It has an effect on a lot of people's thinking and the acceptance."
Lieberman was head coach of the Texas Legends as part of the NBA's development league for two years from 2009 to 2011.
Simon Sinclair
