Nets name Jordi Fernandez head coach
Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jordi Fernandez looks on, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Denver. Fernandez was hired Monday, April 22, 2024 as coach of the Brooklyn Nets, who are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
Jordi Fernandez got his first head-coaching job 10 years ago when he led the Canton Charge in the G League. On Monday, he got his first job leading an NBA team.
The Nets formally announced the hiring of Fernandez after he wrapped up his duties as Sacramento Kings associate head coach under Mike Brown. The Kings were eliminated from the play-in tournament Friday.
In a statement, general manager Sean Marks said Fernandez was hired after a six-week search. Marks touted Fernandez’s experience, which includes the last two seasons with the Kings and six seasons as a Nuggets assistant from 2016-22.
“Each step of the way, Jordi has consistently demonstrated the ability to implement strong processes and creative systems designed to optimize each team’s specific roster,” Marks said.
“He’s proven the ability to build genuine relationships and garner the respect of players of all levels, and we’re confident that our players will benefit greatly from his expertise.”
Fernandez, who will be formally introduced at a news conference Wednesday, is the first NBA head coach of Spanish descent.
The native of Badalona, Spain, also is head coach of the Canadian men’s basketball team. He led Canada to a bronze medal in last year’s FIBA World Cup.
His main task will be improving a 50-loss Nets team that missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Fernandez was in charge of the Kings’ defense, but he’ll need to fix a Nets offense that was in the league’s bottom 10 in offensive efficiency, field-goal percentage, two-point field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage.
“I am eager to get to work with this talented group of players and collectively drive our team forward,” Fernandez said in a statement.
“Together, we will be fully committed to building something special for Nets fans and the borough to be proud of for years to come.”
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
