Woike: Player development coach Phil Handy could leave the Lakers
Just a year after being unceremoniously fired by the Los Angeles Lakers, Frank Vogel appears to be headed to the Phoenix Suns, as both sides are reportedly completing a five-year deal for him to be their head coach.
It could turn out to be a good hire for the defensively challenged Suns, as Vogel is known as a defensive guru who guided the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship mainly because of their prowess on that end of the floor.
Vogel will have to assemble his staff for his new team, and according to the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, Lakers assistant Phil Handy could be heading to the desert to join him (h/t Lakers Daily).
Phil Handy, development coach/assistant Jon Pastorek and video coordinator Dru Anthrop all were retained after Vogel’s dismissal and are obviously names to watch as Vogel assembles his staff. https://t.co/hsBfkkrSJJ
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 2, 2023
Handy is widely regarded as the best player development coach in the NBA. If he leaves L.A., it could be a big loss for the Purple and Gold.
