The Boston Celtics have hired former WNBA star Kara Lawson as an assistant coach, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

A 12-year veteran of the WNBA, Lawson won a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005 and appeared in her only All-Star Game two years later. She also enjoyed success at the international level, winning gold medals with Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2001 World University Games.

Lawson has been the primary television analyst for the Washington Wizards since 2017. She began her broadcasting career during her playing days, initially working as a studio analyst for the Sacramento Kings, and in 2007 became the first woman to work on a nationwide broadcast for an NBA game.

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According to ESPN, Lawson has discussed the possibility of assuming an on-court coaching role with several different NBA teams in recent years. She was reportedly convinced to join the Celtics given the chance to work with Brad Stevens and her longstanding respect for the organization.

Lawson becomes the fourth female assistant coach to sit on an NBA bench in 2019-20. San Antonio's Becky Hammon, whose been a candidate for multiple head-coaching jobs in recent years, was the first woman to become an assistant coach. The Dallas Mavericks' Jenny Boucek just finished her first season on the bench, while the Cleveland Cavaliers' Lindsey Gottlieb was hired earlier this month.

Boston, considered a legitimate championship contender during the preseason, failed to live up to expectations in 2018-19, beset by a lack of chemistry. Both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford are expected to leave the team in free agency.