Michael Porter Jr. has officially become part of the Brooklyn Nets, rekindling his close relationship with head coach Jordi Fernández. Fernández, who recently ended a long stint as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, shares a solid history with Porter Jr., having coached him for five out of his six years in Denver. This reunion sets the stage for Porter Jr. to be a central figure in the Nets’ rebuilding efforts.
Fernández Expresses Confidence in Porter Jr.’s Versatility and Talent
During the Nets’ Summer League opener in Las Vegas against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jordi Fernández expressed excitement about working once again with Porter Jr.
“Mike brings positional size, rebounding, and a lot of scoring in different ways,”
Fernández commented. This chemistry between coach and player promises to be a critical factor as Brooklyn seeks to develop a young core that can compete at a high level.
Porter Jr. Comes Off a Remarkable Season in Denver
Porter Jr. arrives in Brooklyn following a breakout season, where he averaged 18.2 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, boasting a shooting percentage of 50% from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Although teammate Nikola Jokić often commanded headlines, Porter Jr. showed his ability to take over games with explosive scoring, including a career-best 39-point, 12-rebound performance in a key win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Earlier that season, he also tallied 36 points in another strong outing versus the Pelicans.
His impact extended into the playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Porter Jr. contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Nuggets secure a crucial 94–89 victory.
Young Roster and Leadership Role Await Porter Jr. in Brooklyn
Adding to the excitement of this reunion, Jordi Fernández referred to Porter Jr. as the oldest player on the Nets roster at just 27 years old during a broadcast, highlighting the youth-driven approach of Brooklyn’s team.
“Don’t forget that Mike is 27 years old, and he’ll be the oldest guy in our roster,”
Fernández remarked.
“The next guy will be Nic Claxton, so it tells you how young we are, how much we can grow as a group. These guys, they’re ready to work and compete.”
—Jordi Fernández, Brooklyn Nets Head Coach
This statement underscores the Nets’ commitment to developing young talent and building a competitive team through growth and teamwork. While Terance Mann, who is 29, has also recently joined Brooklyn, there has been no official indication of roster changes, leaving room for speculation about the team’s future moves.
Outlook for Porter Jr. and the Nets’ Future
With Michael Porter Jr. stepping into a leadership position under Jordi Fernández’s familiar guidance, the Brooklyn Nets are poised to harness his experience alongside their youthful roster. The combination of Porter Jr.’s skill set and coach Fernández’s strategic approach could be the foundation for a promising resurgence. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this partnership influences Brooklyn’s performance in the seasons ahead, as the team aims to return to NBA relevancy and success.