The Washington Wizards have done due diligence in their search for a new head coach. Reports suggest they are narrowing down a wide open search to second interviews. Names have trickled out in the search but it’s anyone’s guess exactly what direction the team is headed in replacing Scott Brooks.
Names such as NBA assistants Wes Unseld, Jr., Ronald Nored, Jamahl Mosley and Sam Cassell have stood out in the search. Now, another prominent name has been revealed.
According to the Orange County Register, famed Los Angeles Lakers assistant Phil Handy received an interview with the Wizards last month.
“While he’s made no indication that he is leaving Los Angeles, he does have ambitions to be a head coach someday,” reported Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. “Two people with knowledge of the situation told SCNG that Handy interviewed for the Washington Wizards head coaching job last month. More such interviews are likely in the coming years for a coach who has been on a number of winning staffs.”
Phil Handy has become a popular name among hoop fans. His resume supports his popularity. As an assistant Handy has three NBA championships with three different teams. Two of those rings came with LeBron James. The first in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The second was last year with the Lakers. He also won a ring in 2019 while on the Toronto Raptors coaching staff.
In fact, Handy was on the bench of six straight NBA Finals. That streak came to an end this year when the Lakers were eliminated in the first round by eventual Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns. At one point, Handy flashed his hand to showcase his three rings, acknowledging the end of his Finals streak.
It’s unclear if Handy is part of a number of finalists who have received a second interview with the Wizards. While it’s likely he won’t be landing a head coach job in this round of coaching carousel, the 49-year old has expressed interest in someday being an NBA head coach.
His development training is also impeccable. Some of his work with a number of NBA talents is highlighted on his Instagram page @thereal94feetofgame.
Meanwhile for the Wizards, it’s been reported Unseld Jr. is a “leading candidate” for the team’s head coach job. Also, Nored had a second interview with Washington. Milwaukee Bucks assistants Darvin Ham and Charles Lee are expected to have second interviews as well. Mosley was slated for a second interview, however, the Orlando Magic are closing in on making him their head coach.
