In the eyes of many, the Philadelphia 76ers enter the upcoming NBA season as championship favorites. The organization made several bold moves this summer, including signing NBA icon LeBron James and acquiring All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown.
Many fans and insiders believe the 76ers’ latest announcement strengthens their championship credentials even further.
NBA World Reacts As 76ers Hire Top Assistant Coach With Link to LeBron James
NBA insider Marc Spears reported the 76ers are finalizing a deal to hire top assistant coach Phil Handy to their staff. Handy departs the Dallas Mavericks, who are considered to be rebuilding, to join one of the NBA’s top championship contenders going into next season.
Handy has a strong relationship with James and also previously worked with 76ers head coach Nick Nurse. Handy has been considered an asset at every organization he’s worked for.
76ers content creator RB wrote, “Incredible hire for the Sixers.”
Incredible hire for the Sixers https://t.co/lFsZEp9A4W
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) August 21, 2026
In addition to his strong relationship with James, Handy is known as a strong player development coach, which should help All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and rising second-year guard VJ Edgecombe.
Another user claimed, “Phil and Bron together again??? Oh championship time.”
Mavs Film Room wrote, “That’s a big loss.”
Damn that’s a big loss https://t.co/rmZEVvZB6b
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) August 21, 2026
Handy’s reputation as a player development coach would surely have helped rising Mavericks star Copper Flagg continue his ascent toward becoming a franchise player. Many Mavs are also disappointed in Handy’s exit due to his ties to star guard Kyrie Irving.
Mavericks beat writer Ron Harrod Jr. said, “This is a way bigger loss than Klay Thompson. A BIG loss for the Mavericks.”
This is a way bigger loss than Klay Thompson.
A BIG loss for the Mavericks. https://t.co/9rRsOBSSBA
— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) August 21, 2026
Harrod Jr. is referencing recent reports that Thompson’s disappointing time in Dallas is coming to an end, as he’s expected to sign with the Miami Heat after leaving the organization.
Another user claimed, “That’s huge.”
Damn that’s huge https://t.co/JFI9SEW0gx
— Kawhi FC💯🖐🏿 (@Kawhifanforever) August 21, 2026
Content creator Will Rucker said, “2027 NBA Champions Philadelphia 76ers.”
2027 NBA Champions Philadelphia 76ers. https://t.co/Y2n6obajYV
— Will Rucker (@Will_Rucker3_AD) August 21, 2026
Anticipation continues to build for the 76ers becoming a super team this upcoming season, though the defending NBA champion New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and others will look to stop their momentum.
