Report: Jordi Fernández accepts head coaching role with Team Canada
Jun 27, 2023, 2:31 PM
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Associate Head Coach Jordi Fernandez of the Sacramento Kings reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets at Golden 1 Center on December 28, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)
Jordi Fernández is set to lead a team as a head coach.
Just not in the NBA, at least not yet.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sacramento Kings associate head coach has accepted the role of head coach for Team Canada. He replaces new Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse, who led Team Canada since 2019.
This offseason, Fernández interviewed for the head coaching positions with the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.
Team Canada’s 2023 FIBA World Cup roster is expected to include Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, NBA champion guard of the Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray and additional NBA stars.
ESPN Sources: Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez has accepted an added assignment as head coach of the talent-laden Canadian national basketball program: https://t.co/Za0kzxG6zg
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2023
Fernández, in his first year with the Kings, was also linked to the Atlanta Hawks opening before the team hired Quin Snyder. At that time, Kings head coach Mike Brown said it is only a matter of time until Fernandez is a head coach in the NBA.
“Jordi is a fantastic human being, he’s a fantastic coach. He will be a head coach in this league someday. He’s ready for it right now,” Brown said earlier this year.
Three times this past season, Jordi Fernández filled in as acting head coach for the Kings, one when Brown was ejected from a game and two additional times when Brown was placed in health and safety protocols. During that time, he became the first Spanish head coach to win an NBA game.
Prior to joining Sacramento, Fernández was an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets. And while it may be Fernández’s first year with the Kings, it’s not his first time alongside Mike Brown. The two have shared a sideline since 2020 for the Nigeria men’s basketball team.
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