Even though the Brooklyn Nets haven’t formally declared Jordi Fernández’s appointment as the team’s fresh head coach, it seems they’re already building up his support team. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, on Sunday afternoon, it was disclosed that Brooklyn is bringing in Steve Hetzel, presumably to serve as Fernández’s principal assistant.As Woj points out, Hetzel has extensive experience in the NBA, serving as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers for the last three years, following stints in Orlando and Charlotte. His connection to Fernández seems to originate from their time together in the G League with the Canton Charge. Before Fernández took over as head coach of Canton from 2014-2016, Hetzel served as an assistant coach during the 2013-14 season. This connection is notable, particularly for Brooklyn Nets fans who may recall Hetzel’s tenure during Sergey Karasev’s time with the team.
Similar to Fernández, Hetzel has bolstered his resume through player development roles. He spent four seasons, from 2009-2013, in the player development department of the Detroit Pistons, following three seasons as the video coordinator for the Cleveland Cavaliers under Head Coach Mike Brown.
It’s worth noting that Mike Brown, who currently coaches the Sacramento Kings, was the coach from whom Jordi Fernández was recruited by Sean Marks on the first day of the offseason.
Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report reacted to the news positively, highlighting Hetzel’s widespread respect within the league, which may bode well for Nets fans.
