By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Renowned NBA assistant coach Phil Handy, now part of the Dallas Mavericks’ staff, spoke to Eurohoops during his summer stay in Greece.
The three-time NBA champion (with Cleveland in 2016, Toronto in 2019, and the Lakers in 2020) shared insights on elite work ethic, player development, European basketball, and spoke about working with LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kobe Bryant, but also touched on future collaboration with Cooper Flagg, Kendrick Nunn in Greece and his NBA prospects, and various other topics.
Having coached superstars like Bryant, James, and Leonard, Handy pointed to three core traits that unite the game’s greatest players.
“They’re all different players, but they have common denominators. Their work ethic is insane — no one can outwork them. Their commitment and dedication are incredible. And most of all, their basketball IQ is off the charts. They study the game, they see it, and understand it at a very high level. Combine that with their natural talent, and it’s nearly impossible to compete with them.”
Handy also spoke warmly about Kendrick Nunn, whom he coached during their time together with the Lakers.
“I remember facing him in the 2020 NBA Finals when he was with Miami. He was hurt then — and I was actually glad he was hurt. He’s that good. Injuries held him back with the Lakers, but make no mistake: Kendrick Nunn is a phenomenal basketball player. I’m happy to see that he’s found joy again here in Greece, playing for Panathinaikos. The fans, the community, the organization — they’ve embraced him. It’s great to see him thriving.”
Asked about Nunn’s NBA prospects, Handy emphasized that the decision is personal.
“It’s his choice. But look, he came here, saw the level of play, the passion, the quality of life. Great weather, amazing fans, a strong team. If I were Kendrick, I don’t know if I’d leave Greece. I might just finish my career here.”
Handy is now set to work with Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, and one of the most talked-about prospects in years:
“No challenge at all — he’s a great young talent. I haven’t spent much time with him yet, but I’m looking forward to building a relationship and helping him reach his potential. Right now, it looks like he has no ceiling.”
Asked about the league’s so-called unicorns — rare players with unique combinations of size, skill, and versatility — Handy didn’t hesitate to list names.
“Anthony Davis is a unicorn — when he’s healthy, he’s a problem. Giannis is special. LeBron is special. Steph Curry is special. These guys are generational talents. It’s going to be interesting to see who the next one is.”
Handy also drew a clear contrast between the NBA and European basketball culture.
“In the NBA, it’s a player-led league. Players have power and drive the brand — they earn the most, they hold influence. In Europe, coaches still hold real power. They control their teams, make key decisions, and players respect that. I love that about European basketball — the purity of the sport, the structure, the respect. Coaches here are still the kings,” Phil Handy concluded in an interview with Eurohoops.