Prior to the Brooklyn Nets' pivotal game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA was rocked by the unexpected firing of Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone. Jordi Fernandez, now head coach of the Nets and a former assistant under Malone, expressed his shock at the timing of this decision as the playoffs loom. Fernandez credited Malone as a key figure in his career, stating that he wouldn't be in his current position without him.

Meanwhile, Pelicans' head coach Willie Green also weighed in, reflecting on the broader implications of Malone's dismissal and the precarious nature of coaching in the NBA. Both Fernandez and Green are relatively new head coaches, with Fernandez in his debut season and Green in his second. Their reactions underscore a shared awareness of the industry's volatility, as they remain focused on their roles amid a shifting landscape.