Nets ownership shows unwavering faith in head coach Jordi Fernández, rewarding him with an extension amid a crucial rebuild. Future success hinges on translating development into wins.
As the Brooklyn Nets traverse through their current rebuild, ownership has expressed trust Jordi Fernández is the head coach to lead them, awarding him with an extension earlier this week.
"Over his first two seasons, Jordi has built a strong foundation rooted in player development, a competitive spirit and honest communication, all of which have been embraced throughout our roster," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a press release on Monday. "The energy and passion the entire staff relentlessly pour into our players reverberates throughout the organization, and we are excited to have this group continue to lead our franchise into the future."
Fernández spoke to ClutchPoints' Erik Slater on Thursday for the first time since receiving his extension.
“[It shows] trust, support and belief," Fernández said. "I think, my experience here, I couldn't ask for anything better from ownership and management and the group that we work with. Getting rewarded with the extension means the world to me and to my family, but also to the coaches. Now it's our time to keep working hard, and take those next steps."
To this point, Fernández has amassed a 46-118 record in two seasons with Brooklyn, coaching through lots of roster turnover.
While this extension demonstrates the patience of Nets decision makers, Fernández will need to start delivering more wins to prove he was the right choice.
The Nets are positioned to improve in the coming years, as smart trades and young, developing talent provide a more-positive outlook.
I recently reported on the significant draft capital Brooklyn has acquired from moving players like Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dennis Schroeder over the past years.
By moving those players, the Nets recouped four additional firsts and five seconds, while adding Michael Porter Jr., Ziaire Williams, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore.
Porter, posted a career-season in his first year with Brooklyn, fitting in nicely to Fernández's scheme.
The former NBA Champion averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and a career-best three assists, stepping in as Brooklyn's No. 1 option.
Porter also has expressed his intent to sign a long-term extension with the Nets, saying that he would "love to spend many, many years in Brooklyn" and help engineer the franchise's turnaround.
The Nets are also positioned for a high-ranking lottery pick in this year's draft, commanding a 52.1-percent chance to land in the top-four.
Adding a player like BYU's AJ Dybantsa or Kansas' Darryn Peterson, who was recently mocked to the Nets at the No. 3 overall selection, would help jumpstart the Nets' rebuilding process and give Fernández a potential franchise-altering talent.
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