When Phil Handy joined the Dallas Mavericks’ coaching staff, his arrival reignited a meaningful connection with star guard Kyrie Irving, showcasing the bond they forged through past successes. Irving’s brief but warm greeting at the Mavericks’ facility highlighted their shared history and the impact Handy has had on Irving’s career. This reunion between Irving and Handy marks a new chapter for both players and coaches aiming for championship glory.
Phil Handy’s Role in Elevating Kyrie Irving to Championship-Level Play
Phil Handy, a seasoned specialist in NBA player development, recently became a part of the Mavericks’ coaching team under head coach Jason Kidd. Kyrie Irving greeted him enthusiastically, reflecting their strong rapport. Handy previously worked with Irving during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship run, where he played a crucial role in Irving’s growth as an elite NBA guard.
Handy was instrumental in helping Irving refine fundamental skills such as ball-handling, footwork, and balance that transformed his natural ability into consistent, high-level play. Their partnership cultivated a disciplined approach to training, which Irving embraced fully during that pivotal period.
Ky is an unbelievable talent. That dude is probably the most naturally talented dude I’ve ever been around…
—Phil Handy
He’s tremendously gifted and the challenge for me [while coaching him] was to help Kyrie just understand how important the work was…helping Kyrie understand that if you’re willing to put in the work and really focus on some things to help you with your ball-handling, your footwork, and your balance, you’re going to take your game to a whole other area that you don’t even think is possible.
—Phil Handy
Irving’s improved game was evident in his steady performance throughout the 2016 season, where he averaged 19.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3 rebounds per game—key stats contributing to the Cavaliers’ success. Handy emphasized the importance of Irving’s commitment to hard work.
Once he bought into that, it was easy. It was easy because it wasn’t anything I was influencing; it was really that he just bought in to getting the work in. And that’s one of the hardest battles: getting guys to understand if you put the work in, you have a chance. Especially with a skill set like that? If you’re willing to work, it’s over. He bought into that and understood that.
—Phil Handy
The Impact of Irving’s 2016 NBA Finals Performance and Handy’s Mentorship
The 2016 NBA Finals showcased an outstanding Kyrie Irving who stepped up alongside LeBron James to defeat the Golden State Warriors after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. Irving’s mental and physical transformation during this period spoke volumes about the effectiveness of Handy’s coaching efforts.
[I asked] Ky, ‘Do you just want to be a good player on a losing team or do you want to really prove to people that you can be one of the best point guards in this game and play at a high level and help your team win?’,
—Phil Handy
Obviously, Bron coming back to Cleveland was a big caveat to that but before Bron came, Kyrie set himself on that path once he understood what it meant to work, did a better job of taking care of his body, changed his diet a little bit, and just committed himself to the game on a full-time basis.
—Phil Handy
Handy’s coaching resume includes his recent tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers and coaching in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s league, showcasing his versatility and dedication to player development. His return to the NBA with Dallas is marked by renewed energy and a focus on helping players excel.
The last year off was needed on many levels,
Handy shared on Instagram.
Learned a lot about myself and became a better coach. Thank you to everyone for the messages and outpouring support, it’s been humbling. Honored to be part of a great organization in a great city with great coaches and players.
—Phil Handy
Strengthening the Mavericks with a Championship-Winning Coaching Staff
Phil Handy joins an experienced Mavericks coaching staff that includes Frank Vogel, Mike Penberthy, Jay Triano, Popeye Jones, and Jordan Sears. Notably, Handy, Vogel, Penberthy, and Kidd were teammates on the Lakers’ coaching staff that secured the NBA title in 2020. This assembly of coaches brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship mindset, aiming to boost the Mavericks’ performance.
This reunion of veteran coaches with a proven track record complements Kyrie Irving’s talent and ambition. Together, they seek to build a team capable of competing at the highest level and ending Dallas’s pursuit of an NBA championship. The renewal of the Kyrie Irving Phil Handy reunion not only reignites old chemistry but also injects fresh optimism into the Mavericks’ season outlook.