Jordi Fernandez has added Juwan Howard to his coaching staff for the Nets, making him the second assistant coach alongside Steve Hetzel. Howard previously coached at Michigan for five seasons before being let go in March after a disappointing 8-24 season. Throughout his time at Michigan, Howard faced controversy, including a suspension for slapping a Wisconsin assistant coach during a handshake line and a disagreement with a strength and conditioning coach over the playing status of his son.
Despite the controversies, Michigan found success under Howard’s leadership. The team made the Elite Eight and Sweet 16 in the two seasons after missing the NCAA Tournament in his first year. However, their performance declined in the following two seasons, leading to a 26-40 record and no Tournament appearances. Fernandez, who took over as head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, expressed confidence in his coaching staff and their ability to deliver immediate results for the team. He emphasized the importance of team success over personal achievements in the basketball industry.
Fernandez, a former associate head coach for the Sacramento Kings, replaced interim head coach Kevin Ollie to lead the Nets. He highlighted the significance of the process in achieving success and improvement in the team’s performance. Fernandez stressed the importance of belief in the team’s success and focusing on working together to achieve their goals. With his coaching staff now including Juwan Howard, Fernandez is optimistic about the team’s potential and the impact that they can make in the upcoming season.
The addition of Juwan Howard to the Nets coaching staff brings a wealth of experience from his time at Michigan and as a former NBA player. Despite the controversies surrounding Howard, his coaching abilities and basketball knowledge are considered valuable assets for the team. Fernandez’s decision to bring in Howard demonstrates his trust in the coach’s capabilities and his belief in the team’s potential for success. Howard’s background as a player and coach adds a unique perspective to the coaching staff, which can benefit the Nets in their pursuit of excellence.
With Howard and Hetzel as the first assistant coaches hired by Fernandez, the Nets coaching staff is taking shape ahead of the upcoming season. The combination of experienced coaches and new additions brings a diverse set of skills and perspectives to the team. Fernandez’s leadership and vision for the Nets emphasize the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement in achieving success. The coaching staff, led by Fernandez and supported by Howard and Hetzel, is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s performance and results in the upcoming season.
