“Let it rain!” Phil Handy was no short of excited when he was announced the Head Coach of Unrivaled’s Mist basketball club. If you know the NBA and the Lakers nation, you have heard about Handy. Known for his excellence as a development specialist in the NBA, he is starting a new journey now. But his vision and mentorship have given shape to many remarkable players, like Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard, so we know he is no short of expertise to boast about.
As an assistant coach, Phil has proved himself to be the cornerstone of success for many in the NBA. His former contribution to the championships of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers has highlighted his potential as the best in the business. With his coaching philosophy deeply rooted in leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to success, let us learn more about the Mist head coach.
Phil Handy’s history with basketball
Handy’s basketball career took off at the University of Hawaii, where he played for two consecutive years. He took the opportunity to showcase his talent through the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, maintaining an average of 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for almost 60+ games and leading his team to a WAC championship.
He began as a star player for the Rainbows and later became a part of many professional teams, including the Giants, Tigers, and West. Following this, he dipped his toes in the professional leagues to play preseason games for the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers.
Although his NBA career was often recognized as underrated, it gave him a platform for making the groundwork for his future as a coach. Defined by excellence and success- Phil Handy started as a development coach for the Lakers under Mike Brown for three years.
Following Brown’s footsteps, he debuted as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, which turned the tables—taking the team to four consecutive NBA Finals and their 2016 championship win made overall headlines.
Later, he joined the Toronto Raptors under HC Nick Nurse, taking the team to their first-ever NBA championship in 2019. After his success within a year with the Raptors, he returned to the Lakers. His consistency in developing team players made a remarkable journey for the Gold and Purple franchise, with another championship win in 2020 following victory in the inaugural NBA Cup 2023.
Winning legacy to a new chapter
His stats in the coaching career for the past running years have given him a trip to six NBA Finals and three huge victories. Being in this profession for the last thirteen years has brushed up his coaching style, allowing him to be with some outstanding players of all seasons. His caliber to build bonds with every player he interacts with has made him one of the most wanted in basketball.
The upcoming new Unriavled league where Phil Handy is supposed to debut as the HC comes as a new opportunity for his career. With a bucket full of experience, championships, and passion for the game, Handy marks the path for his new team to success. Now, as a part of the Unrivaled League, he will get to guide the likes of a WNBA icon herself and the Mist captain Breanna Stewart who is coming fresh off of a championship win.
Along with her are Courtney Vandersloot, Jewell Loyd, DiJonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards. Indeed a motivated bunch of players that Handy would love to lead to the 3×3 championship in Miami.
The highlights of his journey spotlight the respect he has commanded in the basketball world. With him now joining the upcoming league, it will be an exciting new era that we are moving into.
