When did you find out that the Mikal trade was official, and what was your first thought?
Jordi Fernandez: “I think Sean (Marks) said it. I was going through a process. We know that we wanted to do something sustainable, and we wanted to win and build something very special. There were different avenues to do it, and this was a possible one. We just could not control what other teams would offer, so we would have to sit and wait. He had different avenues to get there. When the opportunity presented itself, he called me, and I knew before it came out to the media. I was very excited because I know how the NBA works, and I know how good you can get when you have assets, flexibility, and so forth. I’m just very excited.”
What do you mean you knew before it came out?
JF: “I knew before whoever tweets it. I don’t have social media. I had people texting me during dinner. My phone was blowing up, and I already knew because my boss called me and he told me. So, very excited. Obviously, I’m on board with the path that we’re taking, and I think that’s going to take us to that level that we want to get to.”
Does the Bridges trade hurt the team’s chances of winning next year?
JF: “I had a lot of respect for Mikal. I had it before I got the job, but also after I got to work with him for the weeks was with him. I can only say amazing things about him. He’s a true pro and he’s a player that is considered one of the best players in this league. That’s why we got what we got for him. So, after that, I don’t like to think back. I like to think in a positive way where he’s going to be on a winning team, so I’m happy for him. We’re going to be building something very special, so I’m very happy for us. Other than that, there’s never a second guess. I’ve never second-guessed anything in my life. I know what’s in front of us, what’s the adversity that we’re going to face, and my job is going to be a problem-solver, make those guys work, make the program build a culture and identity, and that’s how we’re going to go with it."
What are your expectations for the Nets this season?
JF: The expectations are to get better every day, to be connected, and to do what’s best for the team. If we do that every single day, we’re going to be fine. I need everybody in the organization to understand that it’s not something you say one day. You’ve got to put the work into it. I think so far our guys have been amazing. For eight weeks, they’ve been working really hard. They’re going to do a great job here in Vegas. At the end of the day, wins and losses are going to take care of themselves. We’re not extremely worried about that. I’m worried about how hard we play, how we support each other, and how we challenge each other. All those things are going to be important.
Some of the guys said they got texts from you after reviewing the film. Does that speak to the development ethos you’re trying to build?
JF: They need to know from the top that everybody in the organization cares and everybody is going to do their best to make them better. Steve Hetzel is in charge (in Vegas) and is doing an amazing job. I’m going to do everything I can to support the message and to make sure those guys play hard and get better. So far, they’re doing it. There’s always two steps forward, one back, and three forward. We can’t get comfortable. We have to fight and keep working. During an 82-game regular season there are a lot of good things that can happen. I want this team to do things the right way. So far, based on what these young guys are doing, we’re going to be good.
What are your thoughts on having Nic Claxton back?
JF: He was our priority this summer. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do age-wise and how he’s progressed all his years. Me and the organization believe he’s still getting much better and can be a Defensive Player of the Year. He’s a good playmaker and can be an even better playmaker. We’re excited about his development and that he’s a part of the organization for a long time.
How have the past two summers prepared you to be an NBA head coach for the first time?
JF: I think I’ve learned from the best, including Sergio Scariolo with the national team, Mike Brown, and Michael Malone. I think that’s why I’m ready. I’ve coached my own team with the Canadian national team, and I’ve been a head coach in the G League. I’ve experienced a young team that we were patient with, and we made it all the way to the championship. I experienced an older team in Cleveland that won a championship. I’ve experienced the longest playoff drought in history and fixed it in one year. I’ve had great people that I’ve worked for, and I think I can put together all of the stuff I’ve learned and translate it in Brooklyn.
by Goosedukee
