Curt Miller reacts to Dearica Hamby's emotional farewell message following his Sparks departure: "You are one of a kind"

Coach Curt Miller was sacked by the LA Sparks on Tuesday. The veteran coach was let go by the "Tinseltown" franchise after the Sparks failed to make the playoffs and finished the season with the worst record in the league (8-32).

Star player Dearica Hamby shared a heartfelt message for her former coach following the Sparks' announcement to part ways with Curt Miller. The 30-year-old veteran expressed her deep gratitude to Miller, lamenting that he wasn't given more time to fully demonstrate his coaching abilities with the team.

"To @CurtMillerWBB, I am truly thankful for our relationship and I think that showed. You had my back on all levels that some ppl will never see. I wish we could’ve had more time as we’ve seen what you’re capable of.. BUILD is still the belief and you started that! Love you always!!!" she said in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).

Miller’s tenure with the Sparks came to an agonizing close after just two seasons. The 55-year-old coach led the team through 80 games, finishing with a 25-55 record. The franchise fell short of making the playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.

Meanwhile, Miller reacted to Hamby's emotional farewell message following his dismissal. The former coach encouraged Hamby to continue being a leader and help the Sparks win a championship.

"Thanks @dearicamarie … you are one of a kind!!! I do and always will have your back. Congratulations again on your year… keep leading this group. Nothing changes- build LA into a Champion, period! #IYKYK #loveya," Miller replied.

Dearica Hamby's performance under Curt Miller

Dearica Hamby's arrival at the LA Sparks coincided with Curt Miller's stint. Hamby arrived in LA in 2023 and the same year Miller was appointed as the franchise's head coach.

While Hamby didn't have the best of seasons last year and averaged 8.9 points per game after playing 40 games, the 30-year-old blossomed in the 2024 regular season.

Hamby played all 40 games on the season and averaged 17.3 points 51.2% shooting from the field, including 34.1% from the three-point range. She also averaged 9.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals.

For her remarkable performance, Hamby earned an All-Star selection and the Associated Press Most Improved Player recognition.