First-year Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez will have a lot on his plate during the 2024-25 NBA season. Fernandez will navigate the challenge of helping Brooklyn's young players develop while getting used to coaching in a different setting. Nevertheless, Fernandez's time with the Sacramento Kings and Team Canada looks to serve him well. If Fernandez wants to continue his success, he will need to answer two urgent questions at the start of the upcoming season.
1. Will Fernandez give Cam Thomas the keys to the Nets' offense?
Nets fans know all too well the pain of seeing Cam Thomas sitting on the bench for extended periods. There seemed to be a disconnect between Thomas and former head coach Jacque Vaughn, who gave the young guard inconsistent patches of playing time early on. By this point, Thomas has proved that he deserves not just significant minutes, but a starting spot on this rebuilding Nets team.
Jordi Fernandez will win fans over immediately if he allows Thomas to have a prominent role in Brooklyn's offense. Thomas has been one of the most improved players in the league during his first three seasons. After averaging 10.6 points per game during his second year, Thomas leapt to a career-high 22.5 scoring mark.
If Thomas gets the reigns to the offense, he could experience an explosion Nets fans have not seen in a long time. Hot take, but he just might become what Stephen Curry has become for the Golden State Warriors.
2. How will Fernandez work the veterans into Brooklyn's rotation?
It is no secret that the Nets are going into full-rebuild mode. Trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks gave Brooklyn the benefit of going all-in on their other young talent. The 2024-25 roster will be mostly comprised of promising young players looking to prove themselves to the team. However, key veterans remain.
Cam Johnson trade rumors continue to be floated, but it is unclear if a deal will get done. Furthermore, Dennis Schroder expressed a desire to stay in Brooklyn long-term, and Dorian Finney-Smith's status is unclear. It will be important for Jordi Fernandez to find a way for the Nets' veterans to contribute while still prioritizing the development of the team's young talent.
Fernandez will have no shortage of challenges during his first year leading the Nets, but he has all the tools to succeed. It will be exciting to see how he and Brooklyn handle themselves during the 2024-25 NBA season.