The Mavericks are making moves that scream championship or bust. Jason Kidd’s coaching staff just got a major upgrade with two hires that bring serious championship pedigree and a direct connection to Kyrie Irving’s past success.
How Will Phil Handy’s Return Impact Kyrie Irving?
NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Dallas has added Phil Handy and Popeye Jones to their coaching staff, joining what was already a strengthened group following this summer’s additions.
“UPDATE: Both Phil Handy and Popeye Jones have agreed to join Jason Kidd’s coaching staff in Dallas, league sources tell (Stein) and (DLLS Sports),” Stein wrote. “Handy and Jones will join Jay Triano as newcomers … with Mavs coaching consultant Frank Vogel now Kidd’s associate head coach.”
UPDATE: Both Phil Handy and Popeye Jones have agreed to join Jason Kidd’s coaching staff in Dallas, league sources tell @TheSteinLine and @DLLS_Sports.
Handy and Jones will join Jay Triano as newcomers … with Mavs coaching consultant Frank Vogel now Kidd’s associate head coach. https://t.co/CbIuc4Af8c
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 9, 2025
The Handy hire brings a familiar face back into Irving’s orbit. Handy served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers during Irving’s time there from 2013 to 2017, though Handy departed the year after (2018), when Cleveland traded Irving to Boston. During their time together, the duo helped the Cavaliers capture the franchise’s first-ever title in 2016.
Since leaving Cleveland, Handy has continued building his championship resume. He joined the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching staffs, where he added two more titles to his collection in 2019 and 2020 with those franchises, respectively.
What Championship Experience Do These Coaches Bring?
Jones brings recent championship experience from his time with the Denver Nuggets’ coaching staff when they captured the title in 2023.
Handy’s coaching connections run deeper than just Irving. He also worked under Vogel during the latter’s tenure with the Lakers, as they were both part of the Lakers’ staff. This existing relationship adds another layer of familiarity to Dallas’s revamped coaching structure.
These additions make it clear that Dallas believes the sky is the limit next season because of Cooper Flagg’s addition. However, questions remain about Irving since he is recovering from his ACL injury and has already stated that he would not rush his comeback for the 2025-26 season.
Regardless of what happens with Irving, the Mavericks have assembled a loaded coaching staff to complement what promises to be an intriguing roster next season. While it’s not surprising that they don’t plan to take their time building a potential title contender, it is noteworthy that they are pulling out all the stops to ensure it won’t be long before they return to the NBA Finals.
