The Brooklyn Nets head coaching search has come to an end, with the franchise deciding to hire Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez.
ESPN Sources: Jordi Fernandez has emerged as the Brooklyn Nets’ choice to become the franchise’s next coach, separating himself in a wide, month-long search that now has the Nets prepared to hire the Sacramento Kings’ top assistant. pic.twitter.com/VHqXY9AYsb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
Earlier this week, Fernandez was rumored to be a finalist for their head coach vacancy, along with Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young and four-time Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer. Following the news of Fernandez’s hiring, Wojnarowski reports that Young has agreed to become the next head coach of Brigham Young University’s men’s basketball team.
Nets Lure Kings’ Jordi Fernandez to Brooklyn
Fernandez’s hire has been a long time coming. One of the brightest basketball minds, he’s interviewed for several head coaching positions over the past few years.
This year, he was also a head coach candidate for the Charlotte Hornets. Last year, Fernandez was interviewed by the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Toronto Raptors. He was a potential hire for the Atlanta Hawks’ head coach role as well.
With the Nets, Fernandez’s playcalling and innovate schemes will greatly enhance their ability to thrive on offense.
Much was made of Brooklyn’s pecking order last year. However, the Nets also ran a doldrum offense that ranked 23rd in offensive rating (113.2). Furthermore, Brooklyn only averaged 110.4 points per game, 25th in the NBA. While partly due to the Nets’ personnel, arguably only Cam Thomas was put in the best position to succeed.
The 41-year-old is also gifted at crafting defensive coverages that fit his personnel. The Nets are better at that end, ranking 15th in opponents points per game 113.3). However, their 20th-place defensive rating (116.1) highlights a need to improve their three-point defense and generate more turnovers.
Fernandez’s success coaching Canada’s men’s basketball team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup also lends credence the belief he can transform the Nets into a dominant playoff contender.
Despite missing stars like Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins, he managed to coach Team Canada to a third-place finish. In doing so, he had to win a game against Team USA. Though the U.S. men’s basketball team had far less star power than normal, it was still an impressive feat.
Intangible Improvements
Because the Nets have multiple players with questionable intangibles, such as Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges, Fernandez’s doctorate in sports psychology could prove particularly useful.
Indeed, in sports, mental acuity often differentiates teams. This requires player to not just have a wide breadth of knowledge but discipline and mental fortitude as well. As Fernandez imbues his team with these qualities, he can establish a winning culture in Brooklyn.
