LeBron James Gets His Guy in Philly, and the 76ers Are Building Something Special

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly finalizing a massive deal to bring veteran coach Phil Handy on board as an assistant. This isn’t just any coaching addition, folks. This is big because Handy is set to reunite with the newly-signed LeBron James, a move that could reshape the 76ers’ future under head coach Nick Nurse.

The Handy Effect: Championship Pedigree Hits Philly

Phil Handy brings a championship pedigree that’s absolutely undeniable. He was right there, an assistant coach, with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018. Then, he followed James to the Los Angeles Lakers, serving as an assistant there from 2019 all the way through 2024. Think about that: years of working alongside one of the greatest players ever, contributing to those two NBA titles. That kind of experience isn’t just valuable, it’s gold. You can’t put a price on that kind of institutional knowledge, that understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level, especially when your biggest star knows him so well.

A Diverse Coaching Resume for Nurse’s Staff

It’s not just his time with LeBron that makes Handy such an intriguing pick for the 76ers. The guy has been around. Last season, he was an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. Before that, in 2025, he even took the helm as head coach for Mist BC in the women’s three-on-three Unrivaled basketball league. That’s a diverse resume, showing he can adapt and lead in different environments. Bringing that varied experience to Nick Nurse’s staff in Philly? That’s a strategic move, plain and simple. It adds layers of insight and perspective that can only benefit a team with championship aspirations.

This move for Phil Handy under Nick Nurse, especially with LeBron James now in the fold, means the 76ers are signaling their serious intent. They’re not just assembling talent on the court; they’re building a coaching staff loaded with championship experience and a proven track record. This isn’t about tomorrow, it’s about the entire season, about pushing for something special right now. Keep your eyes locked on what Philadelphia does next.

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Originally reported by Bleacher Report.