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Brian Windhorst
MIKE BROWN AND Jordi Fernandez share a delightful story of how they met in basketball, intertwined with the reality of their careers.
These narratives have been vital in shaping their journeys, with Brown now the head coach of the New York Knicks and Fernandez leading the nearby Brooklyn Nets.
“Seeing him in that position in Brooklyn while I’m coaching in New York is surreal,” Brown remarked about his longtime friend and mentee.
On Wednesday, they’ll face each other at Madison Square Garden, each in their own world. Knicks owner James Dolan recently stated in an interview with WFAN that “reaching the Finals is a must for us. Winning the Finals is expected.”
Nets general manager Sean Marks made a significant trade two seasons ago to bring back previously dealt first-round picks in 2025 and 2026, seemingly aiming for a better draft position.
The Nets winning six out of nine games recently, thanks in part to improved defense, has led scouts to humorously claim that Fernandez might be doing too well.
These longtime friends, whose bond dates back nearly two decades, are coaching in the same city again—yet in distinctly different circumstances.
“The media in New York treats the Knicks differently than the Nets,” Fernandez noted. “Mike faces a different level of pressure. But he’s always ready for whatever challenge comes his way.”
IN 2009, WHEN Brown secured his first NBA head coaching role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he met Fernandez, who was coaching at an academy in Las Vegas, Impact Basketball.
Brown left Las Vegas deeply impressed by Fernandez, a Spanish native trained in European coaching methods, and his rapport with players during skill sessions.
Brown facilitated Fernandez’s move to Ohio for an internship with the Cavs and compensated him for training his teenage son, Elijah.
Over the next year, Fernandez became almost like family to Brown.
“Mike provided me with a car, a gas card, covered my living expenses, and I had nearly all my meals at the practice facility,” Fernandez recalled.
“Occasionally, Uncle Mike [Winger, then Cavs assistant GM, now president of the Wizards] would treat me at my favorite sushi place, which I couldn’t normally afford. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
During his tenure in Cleveland, Brown recruited several rising assistants, many of whom later became NBA head coaches: John Kuester (Pistons), Michael Malone (Kings and Nuggets), Lloyd Pierce (Hawks), and Jamahl Mosley (Magic).
Fernandez also progressed in his career.
In his second year, he secured a full-time position as a player development assistant.
“I was making $35,000, but my expenses increased since I had to cover my own car and apartment,” Fernandez explained.
Yet, he quickly exhibited the talents that would pave the way for a significant coaching path. Fernandez’s player, Elijah Brown, eventually committed to play for Brad Stevens at Butler University.
“Did I provide him with an opportunity? Yes,” Brown admitted. “But it was Fernandez who capitalized on that opportunity.”
BROWN WAS FIRED by the Cavs in 2010 following five seasons. yet, recognizing Fernandez’s talent in fostering relationships and player development, the organization wanted him to stay. He remained on the coaching staff for the next three years under then-Cavs coach Byron Scott.
In 2013, Brown returned to the Cavs after winning 272 games in his previous five seasons.
Fernandez, whose prominence in the league—and salary—had risen (he could finally afford his own sushi), was thrilled that his mentor was back. Now in his 30s with considerable NBA experience, Fernandez had successfully worked with players like Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson and aspired to become an assistant coach on Brown’s staff.
yet, in an organizational move, Brown did not include Fernandez on his staff.
Instead, the Cavs aimed to send him to the G-League. The head coaching position for the Canton Charge was open, and Fernandez had been a candidate for G-League head coaching roles. Yet, that wasn’t the position the Cavs envisioned for him, either.
Fernandez was offered an assistant coaching position with the Charge, a role he perceived as a step back.
This involved relocating more than an hour away from where his new girlfriend, Kelsey, lived in Cleveland.
“We had just begun dating that summer, and she thought I was coaching for the Cavs,” Fernandez recounted regarding his now-wife and mother of their two children. “Then, I had to clarify that I would actually be in Canton when the season commenced.”
The situation strained their relationship for a time, but it proved pivotal for Fernandez’s career.
His expanded role with the Charge turned out to be transformative, allowing him to bond with Steve Hetzel, who became the head coach ahead of Fernandez. Hetzel is now an assistant on Fernandez’s staff in Brooklyn.
“I ended up having one of the best years of my life and made a lifelong friend,” Fernandez reflected. “I had no distractions, and we implemented an NBA-style system. It was genuine coaching, and that’s when I began to believe in my potential as an NBA head coach.”
A YEAR LATER, Hetzel left for an assistant coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets, and Fernandez assumed the helm of the Charge. His career trajectory has soared since then.
After six seasons as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, he rejoined Brown in 2022 as the associate head coach for the Sacramento Kings. Following an unexpected 48-win season, Brown was named Coach of the Year, while Fernandez’s reputation continued to rise.
“I still recall the awkward face-to-face meeting about it all, which we can both chuckle about now,” Fernandez shared. “We’ve both matured and progressed since then.”
truly, both have evolved. Brown, known for his defensive coaching style, has gained recognition for his team’s offensive prowess in Sacramento and New York.
Brown served as the head coach for the Nigerian national team, aiding them in qualifying for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and orchestrating a remarkable upset against Team USA in an exhibition game that year.
Fernandez, who was part of Brown’s Team Nigeria staff, later became the head coach for the Canadian National Team, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Cup, their first in this competition.
During Brown’s interview for the Knicks’ head coaching position last summer, Fernandez played a key advisory role.
“Whenever I need to share something personal, Mike is the first person I reach out to,” Fernandez stated. “We’re trying to coordinate a night to go out on double dates, and I’m determined to bring him to Brooklyn.”
Just not on Wednesday.
“Watching his growth is remarkable,” Brown commented. “He’s performed excellently. Clearly, it’s a tough situation [with the rebuild]. But he’s done an outstanding job motivating the team and fostering growth for the future.”
