From Assistant to Head Coach: Jordi Fernandez Draws on Denver Experience
Jordi FernandezS journey as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets has brought him full circle, leading him back to Denver to face his former team, the Nuggets, and his former mentor, Michael Malone. Fernandez spent six formative years in Denver, from 2016 to 2022, as an assistant coach, a period that profoundly shaped both his professional and personal life.”Denver holds a special place in my heart,” Fernandez reflects. “My family and I built a life here,my children were born here. It’s not just about the professional experience, but the memories we created as a family.”
Fernandez credits his time with the Nuggets for preparing him for his current role.He acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Michael Malone, the coaching staff, the franchise, and the entire organization in his growth.
“Every year I spent in Denver was a stepping stone,” Fernandez emphasizes. “It equipped me with the knowledge and experience necessary to take on this challenge.”
Fernandez’s tenure in Denver coincided with a remarkable transformation of the Nuggets.arriving in 2016, he witnessed the team evolve from a young, draft-laden squad into a championship-caliber team, culminating in their 2023 NBA title victory, just a year after his departure. This experience provides a powerful blueprint for the Nets, who are currently undergoing their own rebuilding process.
“We took a young team, primarily composed of draft picks, and molded them into a playoff contender,” fernandez recalls. “We reached the conference finals and ultimately achieved the ultimate goal – winning the championship. This journey taught me invaluable lessons about team building and the importance of a long-term vision.”
Fernandez acknowledges the challenges of his first season as head coach, particularly the roster turnover and the inherent difficulties of leading a team in transition. However, he remains focused on establishing a strong team culture, a philosophy he learned from his time in Denver.
michael Malone, Fernandez’s former mentor and the current head coach of the Nuggets, echoes this sentiment.
“Jordi has a hunger to learn and grow,” Malone observes. “Brooklyn gave him a well-deserved opportunity. This season has been tough, with roster changes and other obstacles, but the key for any young coach is to build a strong culture. Once that foundation is in place, the wins will follow. that’s the approach I took ten years ago when I started as a head coach. Before chasing victories, you need to establish an identity, a culture. Jordi is doing exactly that.”
building a Culture of Champions: An Interview with Jordi Fernandez
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. Coach Fernandez’s journey from Denver assistant to leading man is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a steadfast belief in building a strong team culture.
Coach Fernandez, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. Your time in Denver seems to have been pivotal for you, both personally and professionally. Can you elaborate on how those formative years shaped your coaching ideology?
Jordi Fernandez: Absolutely. Denver holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the professional growth I experienced there; it’s about the family we built, the memories we made. Those are priceless.Professionally, seeing firsthand the conversion of the Nuggets from young prospects to NBA champions taught me invaluable lessons about team building, long-term vision, and the importance of a strong foundation.
That’s a fascinating viewpoint. You arrived in Denver in 2016, witnessing the Nuggets’ metamorphosis firsthand. What insights from that journey are youonn applying to your current role with the Nets?
JF: Every experience holds valuable lessons. In Denver, we took a young team, primarily shaped by the draft, and nurtured them into a playoff contender. There were growing pains, but we learned to play as a cohesive unit. Ultimately, that journey culminated in the 2023 championship, just a year after I left.
Now with the Nets, we’re in the midst of our own rebuilding phase. The key takeaway for me is the importance of patience and consistency. Establishing a strong team culture takes time. You can’t rush the process.
Exactly, grit and patience are essential ingredients in the recipe for success. Speaking of your time with Denver, Michael Malone was your mentor during that period.He’s quoted as saying,”Jordi has a hunger to learn and grow.” Those are strong words from a respected coach. How do you feel about that statement and how has Coach Malone’s mentorship shaped your coaching style?
JF: Coach Malone’s mentorship was invaluable. He fostered an surroundings of open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous learning.He encouraged us to question, to analyze, to constantly seek improvement. That’s something I strive to emulate in my own coaching style.
I can definitely see the influence in your approach. This season has been a tough one for the nets. There’s been roster turnover, injuries, and media scrutiny. How have you managed to maintain focus and keep the team motivated amidst these challenges?
JF: This is where culture comes into play. We’ve constantly reinforced the importance of unity, communication, and dedication to each other. It’s not always easy, especially with a young team navigating transitions. But we believe in the process, in the long-term vision.
It’s inspiring to see your commitment to building a winning culture. looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the Nets, both in the short-term and long-term?
JF: Our immediate focus is on building consistency, developing our young talent, and understanding our strengths as a team. We strive to compete every night and build a foundation for sustained success.
Long-term, we aim to establish ourselves as a force to reckon with in the Eastern Conference, a team known for its resilience, teamwork, and unwavering competitive spirit.
*Excellent goals, coach. Now,I want to invite our readers to join the conversation.What are your thoughts on Coach Fernandez’s philosophy? Do you agree with his approach to team building? share your opinions in the comments below.Thank you for your time, Coach Fernandez!
JF*: Thank you for having me!
