The NetsPod: Growth and Development with Jordi Fernández

Jordi Fernández joined Sarah Kustok on the Nets Pod as they discussed the 2025-2026 season, personal interests, and what Brooklyn fans can look forward to. 

Entering his second season as head coach, Fernández reflected on his own growth alongside the team, noting that he became more comfortable in the role throughout the year. Kustok pointed out the authority given to each assistant coach within practices and games, something Fernandez said is essential to being the best coaching staff for the team.

He highlighted mentors like Mike Brown, Michael Malone, and Sergio Scariolo, all of whom have played significant roles throughout his coaching journey across the NBA, G League, and Europe. 

One non-negotiable for Fernández is maintaining a good attitude, something he believes is always within a person’s control. 

“If you show up with positive energy, positive energy is contagious but so is negative energy. So you can wake up everyday of your life and believe that it’s going to be a good day, and I’d rather do it this way than the other way,” he said. 

While discussing controlling his emotions tied to results, he highlighted the five rookies and their record-breaking minutes this season. Despite a 20-62 record, there were still successes to celebrate. 

“There’s different areas that they’re very good at. Egor’s shooting and Nolan’s playmaking and Ben’s touching the paint and Danny’s versatility and Drake’s ability to guard the ball. All those things we have the results for, those are wins. They just don’t show up in the standings,” he said.

When asked about the individual plans and goals for each player, Fernández emphasized the collaboration from the franchise as a whole, from the front office to the coaches to the medical team. 

Off-season workouts have made an impression and according to Fernández, the team looks older and stronger already. The team continues to prove their willingness to get better by consistently showing up and putting in the work. 

Recently, the Nets social media team came out with a documentary-style feature that covered Fernández's basketball journey from his hometown of Badalona, Spain to Brooklyn. He said the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive not only in the American basketball environment but internationally as well. 

Off the court, Fernández enjoys cooking, and hosting with his family. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Kelsey, and two children. He gave credit to his grandmother, learning many recipes from her before creating his own over the years.

Having moved to Brooklyn just two years ago, Fernández spoke about embracing the borough and acclimating to the new city. He shouted out Cadman Plaza, the Brooklyn Piers and Red Hook as some of his and his family’s favorite spots. 

“They’re really enjoying living in Brooklyn and the diversity. The culture is very rich and where you want to be involved and have your day to day,” he said. 

To end the podcast, Kustok asked about Fernández's record collection and music taste. Oasis came out on top, above Arctic Monkeys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

Music is a big part of the Nets pregame as well, with each coach choosing a playlist and rotating if they don’t come out with a win. 

The conversation reflected Fernández's consistent enthusiasm and determination in everything he does, qualities that have defined his coaching philosophy thus far. As the Brooklyn Nets head into another year of development, he remains focused on growth, accountability and steady improvement. 

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