The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of finalizing Jordi Fernandez as their next head coach, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Fernandez, currently serving as an assistant for the Sacramento Kings, is poised to take the reins of a Nets team that struggled in the 2023-24 season, finishing with a 32-50 record and missing the playoffs.
The Nets are aiming to transition from the unsuccessful era of their superteam, which featured stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden but failed to deliver championship success. Due to injuries and off-court issues, the trio seldom played together, resulting in only one playoff series win during their tenure.
Following the tumultuous period, marked by midseason trades and coaching changes, the Nets are seeking a fresh start under Fernandez’s leadership. The departure of head coach Steve Nash in 2023 was followed by interim coach Jacque Vaughn taking over, only to be replaced by Kevin Ollie later in the season.
The Nets stumbled after a hopeful beginning to the 2023-24 season, resulting in Vaughn’s departure and Ollie’s interim leadership. This setback spurred the franchise to undertake a thorough hunt for a new head coach, indicating a change in course overseen by general manager Sean Marks.
Among the finalists for the coaching position were experienced candidates like Mike Budenholzer and Kevin Young, but Fernandez emerged as the top choice for the Nets. With a background in coaching at both the NBA and G League levels, as well as leading the Canadian men’s basketball team, Fernandez brings a wealth of experience and success to the role.
Having previously served as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets and as the head coach of the G League’s Canton Charge, Fernandez has demonstrated his capabilities on the sidelines. Now, as he prepares to step into his first NBA head coaching role, Fernandez represents a new chapter for the Brooklyn Nets as they seek to rejuvenate their franchise and pursue success in the league.
