SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A decade ago, Mike Brown, who was the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, encountered a young intern named Jordi Fernandez during a basketball training session in Las Vegas with his son, Elijah. Observing Fernandez’s engagement with his son, Brown was struck by the intern’s patience and his ability to encourage Elijah’s ownership of his training while imparting valuable skills. This positive impression led to Brown hiring Fernandez as a player development coach in 2009, setting Fernandez on a path that has now brought him to his inaugural season as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
On Sunday, the two found themselves facing off for the first time in Sacramento, as Fernandez’s Nets went against Brown’s Kings. Fernandez previously served as the associate head coach under Brown for two seasons, contributing to the Kings achieving a remarkable 94-70 record and securing a playoff spot in 2023 after a long 16-year absence from the postseason.
“Mike is more than a mentor to me; he feels like family,” Fernandez expressed before the game. “I owe my current position to him, and it feels like life has come full circle. He was instrumental in bringing me into the NBA, and now we’re on opposing sidelines.”
Fernandez credited Brown for teaching him valuable lessons about interpersonal relationships and handling the pressures of a demanding job by prioritizing the team’s best interests. “This industry is challenging, coupled with the emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses. Working alongside someone like Coach Brown has shown me the importance of treating people well,” Fernandez shared.
Brown trusts that Fernandez, at 41, is the ideal leader for the young and restructured Nets, who began the day with a record of 6-10. “During a rebuilding process, the journey can be filled with challenges, so you need someone reliable who can foster positive relationships and maintain morale,” Brown noted.
Before assuming his role with the Nets, Fernandez coached the Cavaliers’ G-League affiliate, the Canton Charge, and spent six years with the Denver Nuggets as an assistant prior to joining Sacramento in 2022. He also has experience as the head coach of the Canadian men’s national team, leading them to a bronze medal at the Basketball World Cup last year.
About a month into his first season, Fernandez is already gaining the trust of his players, which is essential for a franchise that is in search of its identity under new leadership. “They’re working incredibly hard, and their play has been solid on both ends of the court. I can only envision the success he’ll achieve as they find their direction,” said Brown.
However, when game time comes, the friendly dynamic between the two will transform into fierce competition. “I just want to win and then give him a hug afterward,” said Brown jokingly.
Fernandez replied with humor, “That’s fine by me; I will accept the hug, but I’m definitely not taking the first part. It’s going to be a competitive game for sure.”