Philadelphia 76ers Add Important Member to Coaching Staff

The Philadelphia 76ers have a new coach on their staff. Former Dallas Mavericks assistant Phil Handy has decided to join Philadelphia and head coach Nick Nurse. 

Handy previously worked with Nurse during his time in Toronto. Handy also has some history with another player on the roster in LeBron James. James and Handy have a lengthy relationship, as they were both a part of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. This addition would be a useful one as Handy worked closely with Jason Kidd last year.

This is just another addition by the 76ers in the front office, as they also added Tommy Balecitis just a few days prior. These moves show just how committed the team is to doing everything they can to succeed this season. 

Handy can provide some insight for the team that could help them understand what James likes to do. He was with James in 2020 when they won the championship. He was there when James led the league in assists. It’s a convenient addition considering James wants to run the point guard position this season. 

Handy played eight years in the NBA, going undrafted. He then went to play international basketball before retiring in 2002.  Following his brief basketball career, he went on to coaching in 2011. Handy started as a developmental coach with the Los Angeles Lakers before moving up to assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2013 to 2018. 

He served with Nurse during their championship season and then joined the Lakers again in 2019. Handy has the opportunity to win a fourth championship alongside James if the 76ers can go all the way.  Hany’s addition to the team could benefit the younger players like VJ Edgecombe and Labaron Philon. 

His expertise as a former guard could help them understand the position better. Edgecombe has the chance to be an off-the-ball guard and, on occasion, learn the roles of a point guard and how to make the right decision. For Philon, he’s going to be mentored into the role of a true point guard. That is why they went and drafted him in the first round after all. Tyrese Maxey has reached his potential, but Handy could help progress him into his new role with the team.  Let’s not forget Anfernee Simons is another player that benefits from the tutelage of Handy. 

This organization wants to win now and win for the future. With this latest addition, it only allows for more growth and progression as they transition to a new age of 76ers basketball.