SAN DIEGO — There’s a false impression that tradition and chemistry don’t matter on dropping or rebuilding groups.
In some methods, that’s once they matter essentially the most.
Fostering closeness and accountability even on groups that aren’t contenders — groups just like the Nets which might be going to undergo by means of plenty of losses — is essential.
That’s why coach Jordi Fernandez is harping on it throughout his staff constructing, and utilizing the time away from house to do it.
“It’s essential as a result of while you’re at house, you get to go to work, spend time along with your teammates after which go house and be with household, mates,” Fernandez mentioned. “However while you’re on the highway, that’s all you could have is one another.
“It’s been good to spend all lately collectively, completely different actions we now have occurring — dinners, get-togethers. That makes us extra related. We construct these relationships. The fellows have been shopping for into it. On the finish of the day it’s going to translate on the courtroom. In my view, it already is translating.”
Dorian Finney-Smith concurred.
The veteran ahead admitted groups which might be shut and might police themselves are likely to succeed.
And being on the highway for camp solely helps foster that connection.
“Essentially the most related groups at all times would be the finest staff. Groups that may get on one another, determine issues out amongst the gamers with out the coaches are usually one of the best staff,” Finney-Smith mentioned.
“The coaches, clearly it’s their job to provide us the solutions to the take a look at, however they’ll’t take the take a look at for us. So we’re going to make use of lately to [bond] as a staff. We’ve been doing a bunch of workout routines and dinners, and a complete bunch of actions to get to know one another and grow to be nearer as a staff.”
Cam Thomas — mentored in Brooklyn by James Harden, who he’ll face Tuesday — has a mandate to get extra environment friendly, however goes to soak up further photographs with Mikal Bridges’ departure.
Contemplating his questionable shot choice, there are fears it might result in dangerous habits, however Fernandez downplayed them.
“I need him to take the photographs. That’s his tremendous energy,” Fernandez mentioned. “He’s an excellent scorer. And inside the way in which we wish to play, which is with ball motion and tempo — that’s determining the place his photographs are going to come back. And at instances he’s going to take [and] make some robust photographs.
“He’s achieved a extremely good job with enjoying on the second facet, even playmaking, catch-and-shooting. So we’ll put him in these conditions and that’s how he will get to a better quantity … I’m not nervous about who I’m going to provide the photographs to. With him, that’s in his nature. That’s what he does. So it’s going to occur for certain.”
The Nets tip off preseason Tuesday versus the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. ET at Frontwave Area in Oceanside, house of their G League affiliate.
The sport is offered out.
