Jordi Fernandez, the Sacramento Kings assistant coach, has been reportedly hired as the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. At just 41 years old, Fernandez is considered one of the NBA’s fastest-rising assistants. He previously worked under Michael Malone with the Denver Nuggets for six years before joining the Kings as their associate head coach under Mike Brown.
Fernandez played a pivotal role in the Kings’ turnaround, helping them become a winning team. In addition to his NBA coaching duties, he is also the head coach of Canada’s national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The Nets have experienced significant coaching turnover in recent years. After parting ways with Kenny Atkinson and Steve Nash, who were their first and second head coaches under Sean Marks respectively, they transitioned from a rebuild to a contention window with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, Assistant Jacque Vaughn was dismissed in February when the team failed to perform as expected.
Fernandez joins the Nets during a transitional period when key players like Durant and Irving have left the team. The Nets have accumulated a large number of draft picks that they plan to use to rebuild their roster and develop young talent. However, they currently lack a foundational star player. The organization’s strategy is to hold onto their picks and use them to acquire a new star player such as Donovan Mitchell or Blake Griffin or even Lonzo Ball if he becomes available in free agency this summer .
With Fernandez as their new head coach, the Nets hope to improve their roster and become competitive once again
