The Denver Nuggets have added Jordi Fernandez to their coaching staff. Jordi fills an assistant coaching vacancy that was left with the departure of Chris Fleming to the Nets. Micah Nori was previously promoted to lead assistant.
Fernandez has a rather interesting path toward the NBA that was outlined in great detail in this very interesting piece from the Canton Rep. Fernandez, who hails fro Spain, learned English in his twenties while living in Amsterdam. He coached at a handful of small outlets and camps for years before training players at Impact Basketball, one of the premiere professional training outfits in the U.S. He caught the attention of Cavaliers coach Mike Brown in 2009 and was invited to join his staff shortly thereafter.
"He’s just a worker. He’s so positive with everything he does. There’s always a goal in mind. It might be rocky at first. But there is a finish line. And he’s going to keep working." -Canton Charge GM Mike Gansey
He must’ve met Nuggets head coach Michael Malone at that time as both would’ve been on the Cavs staff in 2010. After Mike Brown (and Malone) left Cleveland, Fernandez stayed on the bench for a handful of Cavs coaching changes. In 2013 he took an opportunity to join the D-League’s Canton Charge as the top assistant. One year later he became the head coach.
Fernandez seems to have a very diverse background that spans both Europe and the U.S. and will likely serve him very well here in Denver as both the roster and front office continues to grow more and more international. He is also young, as are many of the Nuggets coaching staff and front office.
We'll look to add more details as to this developing story as they emerge. In the meantime, be sure to check out the very fascinating story from the Canton Rep that is linked above.
