Brooklyn Nets fans are biting at the chomp to see their team play in their home debut against the Milwaukee Bucks. After a several-month hiatus, fans finally get to see an up-close look at the new Nets squad, led by former Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jordi Fernandez. However, New York City residents are not the only ones excited to see Brooklyn play.
Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas was spotted at Barclay's Center before Sunday's game tipped off, as captured by Brian Lewis of the New York Post on X (formerly Twitter):
Iker Casillas - one of the best keepers in history - on hand for Jordi Fernandez’s first game at Barclays Center. Fernandez drawing all the Spanish celebs, apparently. #nets pic.twitter.com/D4jfupmUfI
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 27, 2024
As Lewis mentioned, it is possible that Jordi Fernandez, who is a Spanish native and has coached Spain's National Team as well as Club Basquet L’Hospitalet, could have further drawn Casillas' presence for Sunday's game.
Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He spent most of his career with the world-renowned Real Madrid football club. Casillas is just one of few players to play in 1,000 professional career matches and has the most clean sheets in Spanish national football team history.
Casillas' presence at Barclay's Center could provide Fernandez and the Nets the spark they need to beat the Bucks and get their first win of the 2024-25 season.
Jordi Fernandez and the Nets have countless supporters
It is clear that the Nets have no shortage of followers, and Iker Casillas' attendance proves that. Since the Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn, they have been perceived to be in the shadows of the New York Knicks. But that is quickly changing.
The Nets may not have the same star and drawing power as they did when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were on the team. Yet, they have some of the most talented young players in the league who can be one of the most entertaining squads.
Nets fans saw glimpses of the excitement the 2024-25 Brooklyn squad can provide during their second preseason game. Brooklyn beat the Washington Wizards 131-92 after a stellar all-around team effort. However, one of the most electrifying moments of the game came when two-way guard Cui Yongxi scored his first NBA points.
Yongxi hit a step-back three that made the Nets' bench go wild and drew an iconic "everybody got lit" comment from Cam Thomas. The scene had fans reminiscing on the 2018-19 Nets squad, who possessed loads of chemistry and swagger.
With the support of fans in the borough and around the world, Brooklyn's energy will not fade anytime soon. They hope to leave Barclay's Center with a win on Sunday with many more to come.