Jordi Fernández, Favorite Son of Badalona, Hopes to Retire as Coach in Brooklyn

Jordi Fernández, the current head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, received a significant honor in his hometown of Badalona, Spain, being named "Hijo Predilecto" (Favorite Son) on Sunday.

“

Sometimes, support can be given with words, but when it is given with actions, it means more. And I have always said that I hope to retire in the NBA as a coach in Brooklyn.

Fernández, 43, expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, stating that while support can be offered through words, actions hold greater meaning. He reiterated his long-held ambition to conclude his coaching career in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, with whom he recently signed a multi-year contract extension.

His journey in the NBA spans 18 seasons, during which he has served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings. He also led the Canadian men's national basketball team as head coach. Fernández highlighted the emotional significance of receiving such an honor from his native city after spending so many years away.

“

It is the greatest honor that any person from Badalona can receive and, above all, to be recognized for something like this when you have spent so many years away from home is more emotional.

Despite his extensive career abroad, Fernández emphasized the importance of his roots, noting that his family remains in Badalona and he consistently returns. He expressed a strong desire to pass on his cultural heritage to his children, underscoring the value he places on his connection to his hometown.

“

I have spent eighteen seasons in the NBA, away from home, but the truth is that my family is still here and I always return to Badalona, because being able to give this culture to my children is very important for my wife and me.