Knicks’ Mike Brown gives statement on NFSV before facing Jordi Fernandez-led Nets
The New York Knicks–Brooklyn Nets The rivalry has an extra layer this season. Newly hired head coach of the Knicks Mike Brown was a mentor to Nets head coach Jordi Fernandezwho was an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings from 2022 to 2024.
While Brown and Fernandez still share a close bond, the New York head coach made a NSFW statement ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Brooklyn.
“It’s great (coaching against Jordy). I’m just happy for him and his family,” Brown said. “He’s a great young coach. He’s got a young team, obviously, so they’ve got to figure things out. Whenever I get a chance to see him, I always like to see him, but I want to break him down.”
Fernandez first met Brown while working with the current Knicks coach’s son, Elijah, at a basketball training program in Las Vegas.
Mike Brown and Jordy Fernandez face off during the Knicks-Nets rivalry
Impressed with Fernandez’s approach, Brown hired the Spanish coach in a player development role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fernandez was with the Cavaliers seven years, two of which he spent as head coach of the Cleveland G League.
He then spent six years with the Denver Nuggets before reuniting with the Browns in Sacramento and landing in Brooklyn as head coach. Fernandez earned league-wide plaudits last season as he led the thin Nets to a 9-10 start before finishing 26-56.
“I wouldn’t be here without Mike Brown. (I have) a lot of love for him as a person, a coach, a mentor,” Fernandez said ahead of Sunday’s game. “He brought me from Spain to the U.S., so I literally wouldn’t be here without him. He also hired me as an assistant coach, and I think that was a big platform for me to get the head coaching job. It’s not just those two moments, but a long relationship and learning from someone like him who is very successful and a great, great person.”
2025-11-10 00:11:00
