Sources: Phil Handy to Join Dallas Mavericks as Assistant Coach

Grant AfsethJuly 9, 2025July 9, 2025no comment

Phil Handy, Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving, NBA

Instagram: Phil Handy

The Dallas Mavericks are adding another respected name to their reshaped coaching staff. Phil Handy, one of the NBA’s premier player development coaches, is joining Jason Kidd’s bench ahead of the 2025–26 season, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Handy will play a significant role in player development, taking over a role previously held by God Shammgod, whose contract expired after last season. Shammgod has since joined the Orlando Magic in a similar capacity.

Handy, regarded as one of the top skill development coaches in the NBA, brings championship experience and a strong reputation for working with elite talent. He most recently served on the Los Angeles Lakers’ staff through the 2023–24 season, and has contributed to titles with the Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

His track record includes working closely with stars such as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard. In Dallas, Handy is expected to play a central role in developing the team’s young core, which now includes No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. However, he’s also regarded for his defensive mind.

Handy joins an overhauled coaching staff under head coach Jason Kidd, now including associate head coaches Frank Vogel and Jay Triano. Popeye Jones, who will focus on defense, was hired to replace Jared Dudley as the third assistant. Mike Penberthy, another former Lakers assistant, has also been added, focusing on offense and skill work.

Vogel is expected to lead the team’s defensive efforts, while Triano will play a significant role with the offense. Handy is expected to anchor the player development program with Penberthy.

Internally, the Mavericks view this staff as balanced under Kidd. It has a potent mix of offensive and defensive voices and is arguably the NBA’s best at player development.

Handy’s arrival helps fill a key need after Shammgod’s departure and further aligns the team’s development infrastructure with its long-term goals.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors

Mavericks News: Popeye Jones to Join Dallas Mavericks as No. 3 Assistant Coach
Mavericks News: Ryan Nembhard Shares Vision for Role with Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks News: Dallas Mavericks Star Anthony Davis Underwent Procedure for Detached Retina
Mavericks News: Cooper Flagg’s Debut Drawing Record Summer League Prices for Mavericks-Lakers
Mavericks News: Sources: Dallas Mavericks Not Among Bradley Beal Suitors Amid Buyout Talks
NBA Rumors: Lakers Unlikely to Acquire Andrew Wiggins From Heat
NBA News: Deandre Ayton Breaks Silence on Signing With Lakers, Playing With Luka Doncic and LeBron James
NBA Rumors: Nikola Jokic Will Not Sign Extension With Denver Nuggets This NBA Offseason

Leave a Response Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

view all posts