The Dallas Mavericks have hired renowned player development coach and three-time NBA champ Phil Handy to join Jason Kidd's revamped staff, where he'll help develop young talent—including top pick Cooper Flagg—while also contributing defensively.
The Dallas Mavericks are continuing to reshape their coaching staff with high-profile additions.
2-pointers this season
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Phil Handy, widely regarded as one of the NBA's top player development coaches, is now joining Jason Kidd's bench ahead of the 2025–26 season, per Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Handy will take on a key player development role, stepping in for God Shammgod, who recently left to take a similar position with the Orlando Magic.
At 53, Handy brings a wealth of experience and championship pedigree.
He spent the 2019-24 period with the Los Angeles Lakers and has been part of title-winning staffs in L.A., Toronto, and Cleveland. Over the years, he has worked closely with stars such as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kawhi Leonard.
In Dallas, Handy is expected to help shape the development of the Mavs' promising young core, most notably 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
He joins a restructured coaching team under Jason Kidd that now features associate head coaches Frank Vogel and Jay Triano. Popeye Jones has come on board to lead the defense, replacing Jared Dudley, while Mike Penberthy—another former Lakers assistant—has been brought in to focus on offense and skill development.
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