Sixers Reportedly Hiring Assistant Coach With Extensive History With LeBron James

When he talks, players will listen.

Nov 8, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks over video with assistant coach Phil Handy before playing against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Sixers are hiring long-time assistant coach Phil Handy to serve on Nick Nurse's staff in 2026-27, according to Marc Spears of Andscape.

His résumé includes extensive time with LeBron James, dating back to James' return and eventual championship run with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before reuniting with James in the purple and gold in 2019, Handy served as an assistant on Nurse's title-winning staff with the Toronto Raptors.

Having worked with both key stakeholders, Handy has the knowledge of both the player and the head coach to bridge any gaps between them. But even that suggests some level of discord, which would be unfair to James and Nurse at this point. It would also be reductive to cast Handy as some sort of intermediary between player and coach.

Handy, in reality, is regarded as an excellent player development coach. But he helps identify and hone skills that accelerate teammates' fits next to James.

"He can teach guys how to play with [James]," one person with knowledge of Handy's work told On SI.

Most teams have dedicated skills development coaches. On SI was advised to think of him as a Drew Hanlen on the actual coaching staff.

He's there to amplify everyone.

What does that look like?

Maybe it's helping Dominick Barlow develop counter moves in the dunker's spot if defenders make timely box rotations to cut off that pass. Perhaps it's helping Adem Bona or Ariel Hukporti know where to expect lob passes at the rim or read more efficient routes to the rim out of ball screens. Maybe it's tightening Justin Edwards' footwork so that he can better stay in front of assignments on the perimeter. Handy might aid in unlocking further utility in Jaylen Brown's left hand so that he can be a more dynamic threat off the dribble.

These are all uninformed guesses, to be clear. But they're meant to illustrate micro skills that could be smoothened to accelerate everyone's developments or flaws that could be improved upon to help facilitate individual leaps.

As for how he may impact someone like James in this situation, Handy can help map out how James prepares for work in this group. It's not a perfect roster, although the talent should be strong enough to produce a smashing succes if the tentpoles stay healthy. But James will also have to make some adjustments to be his best self and shape an optimal fit next to his new teammates.

One thing is certain: Handy has the respect. When he talks, players will listen.

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