The Prokhorov Watch Thread

[TrooperOne]

Just want to give you some insights from the European perspective. Since Abramowitch bought into historical English soccer, wich probably would have the same effect as if a Russian would take over the Yankees and sit hocked the entire continent + FIFA, many cooled down the last couple of years. Thing is, Abromowich is a celebrity too (and not a silly-just-on-the-pix-one) and actually brought success with his money. In this case, I can see similarities, because this guy seemz to be a Basketball fanatic. Of course his money came to the expense of millions of Russians and maybe even more, but hey - you guys wanted them to have capitalism Thats how the change worked over there. 1000 winners, millions of losers
Anyway, I dont thinks its bad if a Russion Billionaire takes over a US franchise, if - and this will be the case here - he is seriously comitted to bring succes (=pay players). He wil make them profitable - thats what everybody working in Manhattan should like. What I dont like, though, is that he buys himself into NYC and to be honest, this may be his real purpose. Half a billion is nothing for a multi billionaire and in a country which is in a downturn and financial vulnerable, it is the easiest way to get influence, especially a one time chance in a global city like NYC. As a Net fan I personally dont like it, because I dont like these guys who earned their money like he did and I am not a big fan of Russian sports either, but in 5 years, with him and his pocket, the Nets should be pretty competitive. And Brooklyn has a new team.

[HotShots]

This is the best thing that could have happen for the Nets. We have money to spend in 2010 and Brooklyn project is still ago. Ratner is tapped out with the Atlantic Yards Project. There were reports that eventhough we will have the largest cap space in 2010, Ratner would not be willing to spend the money. Now we have a HOOPS FAN BILLIONAIRE OWNER with cap room in 2010. Mikhail the 40th richest man in the world will spend the money even if it takes us into luxury tax. The important thing is to keep Kiki and Rod.........FINALLY WE HAVE A OWNER THAT CAN SAY FRANK YOU'RE FIRED!

FRANK....MIKHAIL WILL BE WATCHING

[HotShots]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebronnets092309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

“He has the personality, the charisma and the wherewithal to reach any of the league’s young stars on a level that I don’t think other owners can,” David Vanterpool said by phone Wednesday. “He likes to go out. He likes to fly to Europe and go to the most exclusive resorts. He’s going to connect with these guys.

“I would think right now that a lot of people in the NBA would be scared to death of this guy, if for nothing else the unknown of what he might do here.”

“If he sees something as a reasonable, smart move, then money won’t be an issue,” Vanterpool said. “I don’t see the luxury tax affecting him. You’re talking about a billionaire who will take a two-week vacation that ends up costing him $10 million. He’ll do whatever it takes to win, and win big.”

SWEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shrink]

So my question would be whether he's watched Euroball, and whether this makes him more likely to trade for players he's seen there, that he thinks can fit into the NBA game.

http://www.draftexpress.com/rankings/NBA-Rights-Held/

[vincecarter4pres]

^^He owns one of the top clubs in Europe.

[shrink]

I didn't know that.

So have you had a discussion on whether that experience will have an impact on his player selection here?

[vincecarter4pres]

Well, he is friends with AK and we have had some speculation on if he makes a run at him in 2011, especially if it is for MLE or a little above in a S&T.
There has also been a lot of speculation and assumption by the media that guys like Sabonis and top Euro coaches will be brought over.
I don't mind the idea as long as the guy is someone that speaks good English that the players will be able to relate too, both on and off the court.
Sabonis would be absolutely awesome as a player developement assistant for Brook.
Prokhorov was also known in Russia for having very few actual Russians on his team and was somewhat criticized for it, but not so much because he won the whole enchilada in Europe and has had the top Russian team for like the last 4 years, so the concerns of him selfishly and stupidly sticking the team with Russians and Euros just because is quite unfounded and a little silly if you read some of the stuff others and myself have.