From Barcelona to Paris to Brooklyn, Jordi Fernández has grinded for his basketball life
New York TimesTORONTO and LAS VEGAS — It was the spring of 2007 and Joe Abunassar needed to find a pool. “He’s gonna do those same sorts of things for.” Before taking over the Brooklyn Nets, Jordi Fernández will lead Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the Sacramento Kings’ visit to Toronto in March, Brown — now the coach of the Kings — said Fernández is “way better than me” at connecting with people. And for me, they were role models — from Sergio to the Spanish federation to the players.” Unlike Finch and Nurse — two American-born-and-raised coaches who never played in the NBA, going to Europe to get their first significant coaching opportunities — Fernández got his hands-on training in the U.S. Brown’s initial offer led him to his first role with the Cavaliers, which included a stint as the head coach with the then-Canton Charge of the G League. “So I think it’s easy to play for a coach like that when they practise what they preach, they follow through on what they say.” Melvin Ejim, a former second-team All-American at Iowa State who has had a long career overseas and has been a staple of the Canadian team over the past decade, said Fernández’s journey is relatable to players like him.
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From Spain to Brooklyn: Head Coach Fernandez's First NBA Win a Moment of Triumph
China Daily
From Spain to Brooklyn: Head Coach Fernandez's First NBA Win a Moment of Triumph
China DailyJordi Fernandez is Spanish. He’s coaching Canada against Spain at the Paris Olympics on Friday
Associated PressNets coach Jordi Fernandez eyes early success and a rare lasting stay in Brooklyn
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