Similar to the shooting ability of the Golden State Warriors or the gritty defense of the San Antonio Spurs, the Brooklyn Nets will adopt a style of play that will become synonymous with the franchise.
In a recent article by Brian Lewis of the New York PostSophomores Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney discussed implementing Fernandez’s approach on the field.
“I think the main thing is to play fast and with confidence,” Wilson said. “You can’t just play and not be uncertain about anything. You have to play everything at full speed and understand that you have to attack in all areas … whether it’s shooting, whether it’s dribbling, whether it’s finding an open teammate, whether it’s running down the court and sprinting to the corner, those different things.”
The Nets’ new identity will be built on enthusiasm and selflessness. Brooklyn ranked 20th in team defensive rating in 2024an alarming figure considering that Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton were both the spearheads of the defense.
With Fernandez now installed, a real culture can be established.
“We want to play fast and hard,” Clowney said. “We want to be disruptive. We know we have to be a great defensive team if we’re going to have a chance to win games, and that’s the reality. Nobody should sugarcoat that for us. We understand that.”
The Nets are hearing the noise. They are well aware that many see them finishing among the worst teams in the league next season, but they are not paying attention. Perhaps Fernandez’s most impressive feat to date is how quickly he has managed to win everyone over, finally giving Brooklyn the reputation they have long awaited.
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