Nets’ Jordi Fernandez accepts blame for early-season struggles

The Brooklyn Nets have gotten off to a disastrous 0-6 start and are staring 0-7 in the face ahead of Monday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

It's no secret that the Nets are a young squad going through a rebuild, but their lackluster start to the season has been worse than expected. Brooklyn owns the worst defensive rating in the league (128.6) and hasn't impressed on the offensive end either, averaging 112.3 points per game — 26th in the NBA. 

The team has capable scorers in Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas, although surpassing 20 wins this season appears to be a stretch. 

MORE: Nets' Michael Porter Jr. named 'realistic' trade target for Eastern Conference foe

Jordi Fernandez blames effort for 0-6 start

Head coach Jordi Fernandez acknowledged the reasons for the team's struggles, partially placing the blame on himself for Brooklyn's 0-6 start, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. 

“It's everything. From the lack of attention to the body language. That all goes with energy. And like I said, it starts with me,” Fernandez said. “I’m asking them to play really hard and to play with purpose, and we're not doing it. So I'm doing something wrong besides the coverages.” 

The Nets have seemingly made it a priority to build through the draft, keeping all five of their first-round selections in the 2025 NBA Draft. They'll hope for a high pick in 2026, and given the way they are playing, they might get their wish. 

Still, the team will look to show some signs of life moving forward. Internal improvement will be key as their young players develop, but there hasn't been much to like for Nets fans thus far.  

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