Before taking control of the Nets last summer, Jordi Fernandez has been an NBA assistant for a long time. First with the Nuggets, then with the Kings during the last two seasons. This is why the trip to Sacramento as well as his duel against Mike Brown had a special flavor for him.
“I want to kick his ass and then we’ll kiss.” I'm sure he sees things the same way.” had commented the Kings coach before the game. “I take the kiss”, reacted Jordi Fernandez. “It’s respect: you always want to beat your opponent. We are here to fight for 48 minutes, on every possession, no matter who is opposite. »
Even if Mike Brown is not an opponent like any other for the Canada coach. “He’s a mentor. And more than that. He is like a member of my family. I wouldn't be here without him. He’s the one who drove me to Brooklyn.”he confirms.
The right choice for the Nets
“He is the right person for this position,” continues the former Cleveland coach. “They thought they were going for a period of reconstruction, that’s what we heard from the outside. We had to hire someone who had a project and energy. And that was focused on relationships because, during such a process, there are ups and downs. »
Jordi Fernandez arrived in Brooklyn with ideas, the desire to defend his troops (especially on all terrain) and it works since the Nets not only won in Sacramento but have an interesting record (7-10) for a team announced as one of the worst in the league before the season.
“He makes them play very, very hard,” continues Mike Brown about his former assistant coach. “They do good things on both ends of the floor. I can only imagine the success he will have, especially if he has some time once he figures out the direction they want to take his team. »
