Sources: Mike Penberthy Drawing Significant Interest from Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are seriously pursuing veteran shooting coach and former NBA champion Mike Penberthy for a role on Jason Kidd’s staff, league sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Penberthy, most recently a shooting coach and pro scout with the Denver Nuggets, has emerged as a strong candidate as Dallas retools its coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Penberthy, 50, is widely respected for his detailed and technical approach to shooting mechanics, earning the nickname “The Shot Whisperer” during his time in the NBA. He previously served as a shooting coach and assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, and Los Angeles Lakers, where he worked under Frank Vogel and alongside Kidd while winning an NBA title in 2020.

Penberthy, a former Lakers guard who won a championship in 2001 as a player, appeared in 56 NBA games and later played internationally in Germany and Italy. He transitioned to coaching through his Starting5 player development program in California before landing full-time NBA roles. His on-court work has earned praise from stars like Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Brandon Ingram.

Davis has previously credited Penberthy for helping him with his 3-point shooting, which certainly can be an important area for a team planning to play with double bigs.

The Mavericks have made other key changes to their bench as focus remains on Penberthy. They recently hired veteran coach Jay Triano to replace Alex Jensen as one of their top assistants, who left to become the head coach at the University of Utah. Triano, 65, brings two decades of NBA experience, recently serving as associate head coach with the Sacramento Kings.

Meanwhile, current assistant Jared Dudley is being considered for a potential promotion by the Denver Nuggets, among other teams, as reported by DallasHoopsJournal.com. Dallas could soon need to find a replacement for its No. 3 assistant. Additionally, given the departure of longtime assistant God Shammgod, whose contract expired before he accepted a role with the Orlando Magic, the Mavericks could use more player development presence.

In addition to Penberthy, former Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy is another prominent candidate to watch for Dallas, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com. Handy, who served in player development and assistant roles with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors, has emerged as a possibility to join Kidd’s bench. Like Shammgod, Handy has a close relationship with Irving. Handy has previously worked with Max Christie and D’Angelo Russell during his time with the Lakers.

Though no agreement has been finalized, league sources describe Dallas’ interest in Penberthy as serious and ongoing. He remains a strong candidate to monitor as a potential hire.