Report: Charlotte to interview Lindsey Harding for head coach opening

Apr 8, 2024, 3:59 PM | Updated: 4:02 pm

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Assistant coach Lindsey Harding of the Sacramento Kings looks on before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

Nothing says more about the quality of an NBA coaching staff than assistants making their way to head coach openings for other organizations. With the Charlotte Hornets searching for a new head coach as Steve Clifford plans to transition into a front-office role with the franchise, two candidates from Sacramento’s organization will be interviewed: Jordi Fernandez and Lindsey Harding.

After announcing Fernandez’s participation last week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday afternoon that the Hornets have been granted permission to interview Stockton’s head coach and G-League Coach of the Year Lindsey Harding for their head coach opening.

ESPN Sources: Charlotte has been granted permission to interview Sacramento’s G League coach Lindsey Harding for head coaching opening. Harding – a former No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick — was G League’s coach of the year for Stockton and advanced to Western Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/PlAYLhW70m

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 8, 2024

As the first black female G-League head coach, Lindsey Harding is accustomed to breaking barriers. To her, it’s all basketball, but she sits back and appreciates the journey in moments. The former first-overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft is looking to become the first female NBA head coach.

“Hiring a woman is not a risk,” she said after being named the 2023-24 G League Coach of the Year.

Harding is one day removed from a disappointing end to Stockton’s postseason, suffering a conference finals loss to the Oklahoma City Blue. It was a successful first season for Harding in Stockton, leading her team to the best record in the regular season.

Along with Harding and Fernandez, the Hornets have received permission to interview Boston’s Charles Lee, Denver’s David Adelman, and Phoenix’s Kevin Young.

G-League COTY Lindsey Harding: ‘Hiring a woman is not a risk’

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will play its final road game of the regular season on Tuesday night when they face the third-seed Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Kings have secured two wins out of three matchups against OKC this season, although they dropped the most recent head-to-head meeting on February 11th as the Thunder coasted to a 127-111 win at the Paycom Center.

During three games against Oklahoma City this season, Domantas Sabonis holds averages of 18.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 11.3 assists on 55 percent shooting from the field.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Thunder coverage, beginning at 3:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 5:00 PM PST tip-off from Oklahoma City.

Upcoming Schedule

Tuesday, April 9th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5:00 PM PST
Thursday, April 11th – Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, April 12th – Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PST
Sunday, April 14th – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 12:30 PM PST (End of regular season)

Postseason Schedule