Similar to the shooting power of the Golden State Warriors or the tenacious defense of the San Antonio Spurs, the Brooklyn Nets will develop a style of play that will become synonymous with the franchise.

In a recent article by Brian Lewis in the New York Post, second-year prospects Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney discussed implementing Fernandez’s signature approach on the court.

“I think the most important thing is to play fast and confident,” Wilson said. “Not just standing out there and not being insecure. But doing everything at full speed and understanding that you have to attack everything … whether it’s shooting, dribbling, finding the open teammate, running down the field and sprinting to the corner, those different things.”

The Nets’ new identity will be based on effort and selflessness. Brooklyn finished 20th in team defensive rating in 2024, an alarming number considering both Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton led the defense.

With the inauguration of Fernandez, a real culture can be established.

“We want to play fast and hard,” Clowney said. “We want to be disruptive. We know we have to be a great defensive team if we want to have a chance to win games, and that’s just the reality. Nobody has to sugarcoat that for us. We understand that.”

The Nets hear the noise. They are well aware that many expect them to be among the worst in the league next season, but they pay no attention. Fernandez’s most impressive feat so far may be how quickly he was able to convince everyone of that and finally give Brooklyn the reputation they have so craved.

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