Sacramento Kings lead assistant coach Jordi Fernandez is set to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Jordi Fernandez has emerged as the Brooklyn Nets’ choice to become the franchise’s next coach, separating himself in a wide, month-long search that now has the Nets prepared to hire the Sacramento Kings’ top assistant. pic.twitter.com/VHqXY9AYsb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
Fernandez has been Mike Brown’s lead assistant in Sacramento for the last two seasons, and his departure will be a big loss for the Kings going into next season. But Jordi has absolutely earned this opportunity, and I’m thrilled to see him get his well-deserved shot at a head coaching role.
Fernandez joined the Kings from Michael Malone’s staff with the Denver Nuggets, and has also served as head coach for the Canadian National team. We Kings fans knew he was likely gone with this summer, and it’s no surprise he’s one of the first candidates snatched up in the coaching carousel. He had also been named as a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets job.
The Kings still maintain a strong bench even after losing Fernandez. Jay Triano seems like a likely candidate to be elevated to the top assistant role, with other internal promotions down the line. Lindsey Harding, also a candidate for the Hornets job, could also potentially return to Sacramento from Stockton for a bigger role. But those decisions will likely come after the dust has settled from the play-in and (hopefully) the playoffs.
For now, we say congratulations to Jordi! Hate to see him go, but excited for his continued success.
Congratulations to Jordi! When was the last time a Kings assistant coach was hired to be a head coach for another NBA team?
Was it Byron Scott when he left Adelman’s staff to coach the Nets?
Good call. That was 24 years ago! The Nets have to stop stealing our assistants.
Congrats!
Congrats Jordi!!
I should have mentioned Doug as another possibility to move up into the lead assistant role.
I think that’s very unlikely. He’s been praised for individual work with players, but lets be fair he is still a very raw coach. I personally would be disappointed if he became the associate or 2nd chair.
Bring back BJax?
Congrats, Jordi. Good luck in Brooklyn.
i think within two years from now it will be clear:
Jordi > Mike Brown
Of course kudos, im happy for Jordi. Thats a life dream come true. but this is a huge loss. If Lindsay Harding moves up the bench I would feel much better in regards to the depth of coaches. If she leaves I think our bench is in need of crucial additions.
I also think that it also would be wise to welcome some more offensive minds. Listen clearly our defense needs work but personally think this team demonstrated that cant come at a trade off of their firepower.
Name I would look at is Trevor Gleeson. An NBL coach whose now an assistant in Milwaukee but was hired with Griffin. Was considered kind of a motion genius when winning titles with the Perth Wildcats and worked under Nurse. Having no ties to Doc might make him available.
talent wins again. Congratulations Coach Fernandez.
As for replacements – have to start with Jay Triano as the frontrunner, a former Head Coach and wonderful basketball mind and gets along well with current coaches and players. Luke Loucks has also done well for himself and this team.
If Coach Brown wants to look outside the organization, (and assuming Anjali isn’t tired of school…)
Adrian Griffin wouldn’t be a bad pick up if he wanted to get back in the game this upcoming season. Steve Clifford would be super as well.
There are many talented minds available – Coach Brown is an NBA lifer and he will know what he wants and who’s available more than anyone.
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