After having their worst season in years, the Nets revealed the new head coach tasked with turning them around. And a confident Jordi Fernandez said the recovery begins now.
“We will see results immediately,” said Fernandez, 41. “This industry is all about achieving results and improving. So how much are you going to improve? This is how we think the process is important. We know there are appropriate actions to take and we will see improvements immediately. But the most important thing for me is to believe in team success rather than personal success.
“(They) will put the team first.”
The Nets had their least successful season since 2017-18, also the last time they missed the playoffs.
It was a 50-loss team instead of 50 wins.
This is why they are on their fifth head coach since 2020.
Attracted by his worldly background – raised in Barcelona, Spain, with a doctorate in sports psychology – the Nets chose Fernandez over Kevin Young and Mike Budenholzer.
They now hope that the new NBA head coach can grow with the team.
“Yes, absolutely,” general manager Sean Marks said. “There’s context around every hire that’s made, and that fits the roster better than others at certain times, where you are on your timeline.
“What separates Jordi from a lot of candidates is that we found that he could go through a development list, that he could go down different paths. He’s coached stars before, he’s been head development director before, so he’s worn many hats and there’s no roster that won’t get him the respect of those guys.
That means that while Fernandez could take over a losing team full of young, developing players — and could struggle again next season — if a star becomes available and changes Brooklyn’s schedule, it won’t require a change. ‘coach.
And the Nets are confident that, even after the departures of James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, they will be able to attract stars again later.
“From 2016 to 2019, this list was very different in three years. So the opportunity to do it in Brooklyn is certainly viable when you’re able to build and you’re able to build faster than in some other markets,” Marks said. “It’s a big market, it attracts stars in itself, if you want to do that. But let’s not lose sight of the development of ours, the success and the continuation of our good writing.
Behind Mikal Bridges, they have Nic Claxton (25), Cam Thomas (22) and teenagers Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead, who are allowed to participate in the Summer League.
“Youth excites me. When you have a young – and talented – team, that means you’re going to have these guys for a long time,” Fernandez said. “So you can develop them, and then they can give their best, and they are there with you. So it’s extremely exciting.
The Nets have seven tradeable first-round picks over the next seven years, fifth-most in the NBA.
And even if they don’t have a pick in June, Marks said they could trade one if the right player slides.
He and Fernandez also considered it positive that the latter remains coach of the Canadian national team for the Paris Olympics.
Canada’s training camp runs from June 30 to mid-July, but Las Vegas is where summer league play will begin on July 12, two days after an exhibition game between Canada and the American team.
“The challenge will be to be extremely organized because the opportunity given to me will make me better and improve the organization,” Fernandez said.
“When you go to the Olympics, it’s very rare,” Marks said. “So the more opportunities Jordi has behind the clipboard, the better. So it’s great for us.
Marks added that Ben Simmons would be ready for camp and — after losing Jeff Peterson and Ryan Gisriel to Charlotte — suggested that director of player evaluation BJ Johnson could be up for a promotion after running all three last drafts.
No other assistants are known other than Steve Hetzel. Of former interim Kevin Ollie, Marks said: “He’s the head coach. We wish Kevin the best for this.
New York Post
