Mavericks Add Assistants Popeye Jones, Phil Handy to Coaching Staff

The Dallas Mavericks have strengthened their coaching staff by hiring veteran assistants Popeye Jones and Phil Handy to join head coach Jason Kidd. Jones, a former Mavericks player and experienced assistant coach with several NBA teams, will focus on defense and is expected to be a key mentor to rookie Cooper Flagg. Handy, who won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020 and previously coached alongside Kidd in Los Angeles, will take over player development duties. These additions come as the Mavericks undergo a significant roster and coaching overhaul following a blockbuster trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, and the acquisition of draft lottery winner Cooper Flagg. There is also speculation about LeBron James potentially joining the Mavericks, fueled by comments from his agent and former teammates, which adds to the intrigue surrounding Dallas's future. The revamped coaching staff aims to support the team's young core and push Dallas back into playoff contention.