New York Knicks to Hire Sacramento Kings’ Jordi Fernandez as Next Head Coach: In Transition, Nets Seek Young Talent and Star Power

The Brooklyn Nets have announced the hiring of Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez as their next head coach, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. At just 41 years old, Fernandez has been one of the NBA’s fastest-rising assistants. He spent six years under Michael Malone with the Denver Nuggets before joining the Kings as their associate head coach under Mike Brown in the 2022-23 season. Fernandez played a key role in helping lead the Kings to becoming a winning team. Additionally, he serves as the head coach of Canada’s national team, guiding them to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Fernandez is stepping in as head coach at a time when the Nets are in a transitional period following the departure of Durant, Irving, and Harden. The team has experienced significant coaching turnover in recent years, with Kenny Atkinson being ousted during the 2018-19 season as the team shifted from rebuild to contention. Steve Nash replaced Atkinson but was replaced after a little over two seasons. Jacque Vaughn took over but was fired in February. Now, Fernandez steps in as head coach at a time when the team is looking to develop young talent and potentially trade for another star player in the future.

The Nets have acquired a surplus of draft picks from trading their superstars and are looking to use these picks to develop young talent on their roster. Donovan Mitchell has been rumored as a potential target to pair with existing key players like Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton. Bridges has a contract below market value for the next two years, giving the Nets a window to significantly enhance their roster without committing long-term contracts to him or any other players on their current roster.

Fernandez, who was in high demand across the NBA after interviewing for multiple head-coaching positions last season, has now secured his first opportunity as an NBA head coach. His coaching prowess and experience at both