The Nuggets have hired Jordi Fernandez to head coach Michael Malone’s coaching staff. He is currently helping the team during its minicamp get ready for the Las Vegas Summer League.
He assumes a spot vacated by the departure of Chris Fleming to Brooklyn. Though Malone promoted assistant Micah Nori, there remained a spot open and that has been filled by Fernandez
Fernandez was most recently head coach of the Canton Charge in the D-League from 2014-16. He led the team to a 62-39 record in those two seasons, a .613 winning percentage. Prior to his time with the Charge, Fernandez was a player development coach with the Cavaliers from 2009-13.
A native of Badalona, Spain, Fernandez was also an assistant coach with Spanish U19 National Team in the 2014 World Championships. Fernandez was courted by at least two other NBA teams before deciding to join the Nuggets.
Beasley biding his time. Rookie shooting guard Malik Beasley may not be playing in summer league, due to the team being cautious with a still-healing stress fracture, but he’s staying as active as he can.
“It hurts a little bit that I can’t play with my teammates,” Beasley said. “But at the same time I’m getting better to help them in the future, so thatap the main thing.”
Beasley did play in all 34 games for Florida State as a freshman, but had stress fracture surgery following the season. It kept him from working out for teams during the pre-draft process and caused him to slip down some draft boards. The Nuggets took him at No. 19, a pick many have called a steal given Beasley’s talent.
Beasley says he’s healthy now.
“In the morning I get here about two hours before (practice) and do rehab,” he said. “I lift weights, work out and then I watch practice. I get some shots up after practice, (and) free throws. I’m dunking now, just started dunking again. Off the dribble stuff, getting into it. No limits or restrictions, just taking it easy, going through the program.”
Harris arrival soon. The Nuggets practiced with a near full minicamp roster on Monday afternoon. Missing was Gary Harris, who has been in China for NBA business over the past few days.
Harris is expected to be back and available either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
“Not having Gary in actuality is probably a little bit of a blessing because we all know Gary can play,” Nuggets summer league coach Micah Nori said. “Itap a good opportunity for some of these young kids to get those reps that Gary would be taking. And Gary’s been working. He doesn’t need the seven, eight practices to get going. So itap probably actually good both ways – good for his body and good for us because some of these guys get more reps.”
Murray picks summer league. Rookie Jamal Murray’s presence at minicamp is no small thing. He was deciding whether to participate in these practices and summer league or lobby hard to play for Canada in Olympic qualifying.
“I feel I can play for team Canada next year or whatever year it is,” he said. “I just need to focus on this and spend more time with coach and the players.”
Asked if it was a tough decision, Murray said. “It was tough. I always want to play for my country. If this was my second year, I’d be playing for team Canada and help them try to qualify for the Olympics. Itap a tough decision.”
