Fernandez and Brooklyn Nets to play ‘fast’ and ‘troubling’

Much like the shooting prowess of the Golden State Warriors or the aggressive defense of the San Antonio Spurs, the Brooklyn Nets will adopt a style of play that will become synonymous with this team.

In a recent article by Brian Lewis of the New York Post, second-year breakout candidates Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney discussed implementing Fernandez’s signature approach to the game on the court.

“I think the most important thing is playing fast, playing confidently,” Wilson said. “Not being there, settling down and not being insecure about anything. But just going full speed and understanding that you have to attack everything … whether it’s shooting, dribbling, finding an open teammate, sprinting down the floor to the corner, all those different things.”

The Nets’ new identity will be built on work ethic and selflessness. Brooklyn ranked 20th in team defensive rating in 2024, an alarming number considering both Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton led the defense.

Thanks to Fernandez it will be possible to create a real culture.

“We want to play fast, we want to play hard,” Clowney said. “We want to be disruptive. We know we have to be a great defensive team if we want to have a chance to win games, and that’s the reality. Nobody has to sugarcoat it for us. We understand that.”

The Nets hear the noise. They are fully aware that many predict they will finish among the league’s worst players next season, but they are not paying attention. Fernandez’s most impressive feat to date may be how quickly he has won everyone over, finally giving Brooklyn the reputation it has longed for.

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