DENVER — Jordi Fernandez has known Nuggets coach Michael Malone since his days in Cleveland and spent six seasons under him as an assistant in Denver.
He credits those years, which helped build the Nuggets into a winner, not only earned him the Nets job, but also showed him the blueprint he's trying to follow.
“My family and I lived here for six years. My children were born here. It's a great memory, not only professionally but also as a family,” Fernandez said in Friday's 124 game at Ball Arena. He spoke before his loss at 105. “I've been here every year and helped prepare me for this job. Michael Malone, the organization, the coaching staff, the ownership, the front office, all the experience…that was one of the reasons I was in the position I was in. .
“I was able to experience a young team, where most of the players were drafted and put on playoff teams, made it to the conference finals, and then won a championship. It's never going to be the same, it's never going to be perfect, but being here and being able to experience it and be a part of it has really helped me understand how things work. I think it was a great experience for me.”
Fernandez joined Cleveland as a development coach in 2009, while Malone was an assistant with the Cavaliers.
Then, the year after Malone became Denver's head coach, he brought on the young Spaniard as an assistant.
Fernandez spent time with the Nuggets from 2016 to 2022, building a title contender in his final season.
He made an impression on Malone.
“[Fernandez had] Just the hunger and the desire to learn and grow and the ability to empathize and get along with the players,” Malone said. “I would say it was just a matter of when he was going to get that opportunity, and obviously Brooklyn gave him that opportunity.
“It’s been a tough year for them, but considering trades, players and everything else, the most important thing for Jordi and the young coaches is to establish a culture, and when you add elements to that culture; Victories will come. That's what I tried to do here in my first year 10 years ago. But before we can get wins, we have to establish an identity and build a culture. is trying to make that happen.”
That includes his no-excuse culture.
“If I work, I have no friends. And they'll want to beat me as much as I want to beat them. I'm sure Michael Malone feels the same way. '' Fernandez said. “Yes, obviously you want to say hello before or after the game. And during the game, be ready to fight to the end.”
Ben Simmons and Dayron Sharp had 10 points and seven assists. (7 points, 5 rebounds) Returned to the court Friday.
cam johnson (sprained right ankle) and D'Angelo Russell (Bruised right shin) is absent and appears to be a daily occurrence. Fernandes said he hoped the player would return at some point during this trip.
However, Trendon Watford (left hamstring injury) will likely not play until the Nets return home.
