The Philadelphia 76ers are adding a familiar face to Nick Nurse’s coaching staff, creating an intriguing reunion and connection to the newly acquired Sixer, LeBron James. The move comes at an important time for the Sixers, while the Dallas Mavericks are dealing with another setback during a turbulent offseason.
The Mavericks were already dealing with Klay Thompson’s expected departure after his stint in Dallas. Then, just minutes after reports of Thompson’s exit surfaced, another blow hit the organization as news broke that an assistant coach was also on his way out.
“Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Phil Handy is finalizing a deal to become an assistant coach with Philadelphia Sixers head coach Nick Nurse,” Marc J. Spears tweeted. “Handy previously worked with Nurse in Toronto and with LeBron James with the Cavs and Lakers. Great addition for Nurse.”
Handy spent the 2025-26 season with Dallas and was the last remaining member of Jason Kidd’s former coaching staff. For Dallas, losing the assistant coach is particularly notable because of the relationships he developed during his lone season with the organization.
He already had connections with Kyrie Irving and Max Christie and played a key role in the team’s ball-handling and shooting drills. His departure continues a sweeping overhaul of the Mavericks’ coaching staff.
Frank Vogel, Jay Triano, Popeye Jones, Josh Broghamer, Keith Veney, Eric Hughes and Jordan Sears have also moved on.
New head coach Dusty May has brought in Willie Green, Joe Boylan, Garrett Temple, Drew Williamson and Mody Maor as part of his revamped staff. Handy’s next destination, meanwhile, brings him back together with someone he knows well.
Before joining Dallas, Handy spent the 2018-19 season as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. Nurse was the head coach that season, and the two helped Toronto capture the franchise’s first championship.
Their reunion in Philadelphia gives Nurse another experienced voice who already understands his system and coaching style. Then there is the LeBron James connection.
Handy has spent several seasons coaching alongside James, first with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018 and later with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019 to 2024. The partnership produced two championships, and their relationship also extends beyond the court.
When Handy announced his move to Dallas last year, James welcomed him back with a simple message:
“Congrats my guy!! Welcome back.”
During a 2024 appearance on No Chill with Gilbert Arenas, Handy recalled being surprised by James’ regular-season approach in Cleveland. He admitted he initially questioned why James didn’t always play at full intensity, but the playoffs quickly changed his perspective.
James shifted into another gear, explaining that he was managing his body to peak when the postseason arrived. That experience could now become valuable in Philadelphia. For the Sixers, bringing in someone with Handy’s championship pedigree and familiarity with both Nurse and James is an intriguing addition.
Dallas, meanwhile, loses another respected member of its staff just as Thompson’s departure creates a separate hole on the roster.
Mavericks beat writer Ron Harrod Jr. went as far as calling Handy’s departure “a way bigger loss than Klay Thompson,” underscoring the value he placed on the 54-year-old coach.