The Nets’ situation was expected, but that did not make it any less tough. Losing the first five games of the season and being the only winless team alongside the Sacramento Kings is a heavy burden for Jordi Fernández and his guys, who nonetheless believe they can take a step forward sooner rather than later.
While that reaction arrives (or perhaps not), the Spanish coach emphasizes that his two veterans and stars (Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr.) must lead on the court, but he also understands that it is something that must come from them.
«I always want them to assume a leadership role, but it must arise in a genuine way; I can’t force them to act in a manner that isn’t natural to them», he said in statements to The New York Post, before stressing that, in any case, he is pleased with both of their attitudes.
«I think both are good people and have good intentions. I’m very glad that, within what’s comfortable for them, they’re putting in maximum effort to help the group. They’ve done so from the start, so I’m not worried about that aspect», he states.
Jordi Fernández Takes Responsibility
Far from dodging blame, Jordi explains that for now the Nets aren’t playing the way he wants, but far from blaming the players, he concedes that it is up to him to lay the groundwork for that to happen.
«In the face of adversity, what matters is how we react. You can see it in the slouched shoulders and in the lack of energy at many moments. These are aspects we can control… The truth is the team is not cohesive; they seem to be going their own way. I am responsible for that», he concludes.
