In his first year at the helm of the Brooklyn Nets, Jordi Fernandez has a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the team. The Nets are in the midst of a rebuild and are projected to be one of, if not the worst, teams in the NBA, meaning there isn’t much pressure to win. Here are several strategies he can employ to improve the Nets this season, or in the long term:
Fernandez’s experience on the Sacramento Kings coaching staff, where he helped the team win a division title, highlights his ability to build strong offensive units. By focusing on getting their young players in transition and allowing them to play quickly with fresh legs, the Nets could see their young core develop. Cam Thomas, Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney are just a few of Brooklyn’s young players who can make an impact and run in transition.
The Nets have a mix of young talent and veteran players. Fernandez’s experience in player development, including his time with the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers, will be invaluable. By tailoring development programs to each player, he can help them reach their full potential. Remember, this team is rebuilding, so winning isn’t necessarily the top priority this season. Developing youth is the most important thing.
The 2018-19 Nets under head coach Kenny Atkinson were so entertaining because they played with tenacity and had chemistry on both sides of the ball. A team projected to be at the bottom of the standings, Brooklyn impressed the NBA by making the playoffs, and while this year’s Nets team isn’t expected to make it, they can still make the season fun and exciting with great chemistry.
It all starts with the dynamic between the young and the veterans. While some veterans are likely to be traded sooner than expected, players like Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson should mentor and find some chemistry with the young core.
Want to join the discussion? Like Nets on SI on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Nets news. You can also meet the team behind the cover.
