Sixers Hire Phil Handy
Philadelphia 76ers Hire Renowned Assistant Coach Phil Handy to Join Nick Nurse's Staff
Key Points
Handy previously played for Nick Nurse with the Manchester Giants in the British Basketball League, a long-standing connection that predates his NBA coaching career.
Handy has a reputation for developing star guards, including a history of working with Kyrie Irving to sharpen his ball-handling.
The Sixers have added Tommy Balcetis to the front office, a move coming from Denver.
Handy also had a brief stint as the head coach of Mist Basketball Club in the Unrivaled basketball league before returning to the NBA.
The Philadelphia 76ers have hired Phil Handy as an assistant coach on Nick Nurse's staff, bringing a veteran player-development specialist with deep ties to championship-winning organizations. HoopsRumors confirmed the deal, adding another experienced NBA mentor to a Sixers coaching staff being rebuilt during an active offseason. Handy spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks and has previously worked alongside Nurse in Toronto, giving the two coaches an established working relationship.
Handy's resume includes stints with three NBA championship teams: the Cavaliers, Raptors, and Lakers, where he worked closely with LeBron James. Metro Philadelphia notes he spent five seasons with Cleveland, four alongside James, developing a reputation for improving guards and ball-handlers. His addition signals the Sixers' push to surround their core talent—particularly Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt—with proven NBA voices.
Handy's History With Nurse and LeBron
Handy and Nurse's connection predates their time in Toronto. The two worked together in the British Basketball League with Manchester Giants, building trust that lasted through Nurse's NBA tenure. This shared history makes Handy a natural fit for Nurse's vision in Philadelphia, allowing the head coach to install a system with a coach who already understands his methods and philosophy.
A Track Record of Developing Star Guards
Handy has earned recognition as one of the NBA's elite player-development coaches, particularly with backcourt players. He worked extensively with Kyrie Irving to sharpen ball-handling and footwork during their time together. His focus on guards and ball-handlers aligns with the Sixers' needs, as the team looks to maximize Tyrese Maxey's talent and prepare other perimeter players for playoff-level defense and offensive execution.
Part of a Busy Sixers Offseason Rebuild
The Handy hire is part of a larger Sixers offseason strategy. USA Today's Sixers Wire reported that Handy will join the coaching staff for the 2026-27 regular season. Beyond coaching hires, Philadelphia has also added Tommy Balcetis to the front office, bringing experience from Denver, signaling a comprehensive reshaping of the organization's basketball operations.
Handy's 15-year tenure as an NBA assistant coach has spanned organizations known for sustained excellence and winning culture. His reuniting with a coaching staff that connects to LeBron James's circle and championship-proven mentorship deepens Philadelphia's roster of high-level basketball minds aimed at maximizing current talent and preparing for playoff success.
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