Coach Jordi Fernández Returns to Nets Sideline After Illness
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández made a swift return to the bench on Tuesday, just days after an illness had sidelined him for Sunday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The brief absence provided a unique perspective on game day, even from afar. Fernández, who diligently isolated himself from his family to prevent the spread of his illness, found himself in a peculiar situation during Sunday’s game.
“If he was around his two kids, Fernández was wearing a mask. If he wasn’t around them, he was in his designated section of the house to prevent the illness from spreading,” the report detailed.
However, when tip-off arrived, Fernández was front and center, albeit with a mask on, watching the game unfold on television alongside his wife, Kelsey, and their children. “All four of us were cheering for our guys and the coaches and everybody. So, we were sending a lot of love this way,” he shared after practice, reflecting on the family’s collective support.
During Fernández’s temporary absence, assistant coach Steve Hetzel stepped into the interim head coaching role. Hetzel guided the Nets to a resounding 127-82 victory over the Bucks, a game where Milwaukee was notably missing star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. This dominant performance marked the largest blowout win in Brooklyn Nets franchise history, a feat that filled Fernández with pride despite his inability to be physically present.
“Everybody’s response and everybody’s positive energy and willingness to do the right thing… Nine players with double digits, like a lot of growth, a lot of good development — a lot of things we want to do consistently,” Fernández remarked, highlighting the team’s collective effort and execution.
When questioned about his surprise at the Nets’ exceptional performance on both ends of the court, Fernández offered a candid and humorous response. “No, but if I had to miss another game and [they] play that well, I’ll do whatever it takes for the group,” he admitted with a chuckle, suggesting he might even consider further absences if it correlated with such strong play.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
While Fernández has recovered sufficiently to return to coaching duties, his personal health status remains a topic of discussion. He did not provide a specific update on his recovery but expressed optimism for a full clearance by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, the team also provided an update on player health. Forward Haywood Highsmith was observed participating in shooting drills, including free throws, at the Nets practice facility on Tuesday, indicating progress in his recovery from a knee issue.
In other roster news, the Nets assigned two rookies, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore, to their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, on Monday. Traore, the last of the five rookies to get an opportunity to break into the main rotation, had a brief stint with the Brooklyn squad, appearing in only two games. During his limited playing time, he averaged nine minutes per contest but did not record any points, going 0-for-3 from the field. This assignment suggests a focus on continued development and game experience for the young players within the organization’s developmental system. The team’s strategic use of its G League affiliate underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for players to hone their skills away from the immediate pressure of NBA games. This approach is crucial for long-term team building and player growth.
