He is probably the most popular NBA assistant coach of the thirty franchises. One of the most popular too. Very active on the American basketball courts but also on Instagram, a platform on which he has 339,000 subscribers, Phil Handy is riding the wave that is making him a legend. Crowned three NBA champions between 2016 and 2020 with three different teams, this former professional basketball player has brilliantly converted into the world of coaching. A native of San Leandro, California, the person concerned evolved on the back posts from the top of his meter ninety-six. Undrafted upon leaving college in 1995, he first started his career in a minor league in the United States.
A totally accomplished post-career for Phil Handy
After twelve years of career as an athlete, Phil Handy embarked on his individual coaching business. Several NBA basketball players of the time, including Shawn Marion, quickly placed their trust in him. Their collaboration bearing fruit, other renowned NBAers began to use the services of this new personal trainer. Among them is the physical phenomenon Blake Griffin. But also Jeremy Lin. The beginning of success! In 2011, Handy ended up joining the coaching staff of Mike Brown at the Lakers. His function ? Responsible for individual player development. Then, after two years in Los Angeles, he followed Brown to Cleveland. If the two men only had the opportunity to work together for a short season in Ohio, Phil Handy will have left the Cavs with his first NBA champion ring on his finger. It was in 2016, at the end of a legendary Game 7 during the Finals.
Three NBA championship rings in five years
Always open to opportunities, Phil Handy did not really hesitate when he joined the Toronto Raptors in 2018. His connection with Nick Nurse, coach of the Canadian franchise, dates back to the end of the 1990s. At that time, the Canadian technician was then his coach in the Manchester club. Together, they had won the English championship in 2000… Almost twenty years later, this time they lifted the trophy in the NBA! History is beautiful. Especially since at the start of the playoffs and finals, the Raptors were not the favorites.
In 2019, just after his second NBA championship in three years, an exciting new challenge at the Los Angeles Lakers presented itself to him. For his comeback in the Californian franchise, on his native land, Handy was going to find LeBron James among others.
If the regular season was interrupted by COVID-19, it ended in a health bubble set up at Disneyworld. And, at the end of the playoffs, the assistant coach would again add a title to his list.
Phil Handy, a coach who counts in the NBA landscape
The 2020/2021 season will have smiled less on the Lakers and Phil Handy. The physical glitches of the two stars of the team will have been fatal in the quest for back-to-back. However, Frank Vogel’s assistant retains a very high rating. Candidates for the title, the Brooklyn Nets have tried to recruit him. In vain… The Washington Wizards also met him for the position of head coach of their team. Eventually, the job went to Wes Unseld Jr.
In any case, it seems likely that Phil Handy will take over the coaching helm of an NBA franchise in the next few years. At just 50 years old, the former professional basketball player still has at least fifteen years of career ahead of him. His in-depth knowledge of the game is enormous. In addition, he has a strong desire to pass on to new generations. Phil Handy is able to develop all types of players, regardless of their playing position. He has coached some of the biggest names in our sport. Including several legends of the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Steve Nash, Kyrie Irving or even Pau Gasol and Anthony Davis have all followed sessions led by this man. His know-how is recognized by all these stars, with whom he is unanimous.
