From Russia with...Hope? Prokhorov speaks

[NyCeEvO]

Nets' owner dead set on making team No. 1
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Record

Mikhail Prokhorov came to America with billions of dollars and a dream of making the Nets the NBA's No. 1 team.

The Nets' history, dismal 12-70 record last season and being cellar dwellers again this season won't discourage Prokhorov. The Russian tycoon and first foreign NBA owner is committed to spending his wealth — largely made in precious metals — to try to attract star players and change the fortunes of the eventually Brooklyn-bound Nets.

Prokhorov, in an e-mail from Russia, said his mission is, "to build a championship team, a dynasty team."

"The great thing about sports is you can have an underdog that with time becomes a winner. We no longer have a losing mentality, and that is a huge step for the Nets.

"My dream is for kids in Russia and China and Brazil to have pictures of our players up on their walls. … Maybe being an outsider lets me bring something fresh to the team and the league."

Few owners are like Prokhorov, 45. He's a thrill-seeker, who enjoys heliskiing and kick boxing. He's also brash and confident and likes a good fight.

After becoming owner last spring, Prokhorov guaranteed a playoff berth this year — doubtful — and championship within five years. He also said he would turn Knicks fans into Nets fans.

A turf war started in the summer after the "Blueprint for Greatness" mural featuring Prokhorov and part-owner/hip-hop mogul Jay-Z was painted on a building overlooking Madison Square Garden, the home of the rival Knicks.

Before a late-November game between the two teams an MSG Network ad said the Nets should stop trying to be like the Knicks, eliciting this from Prokhorov: "I don't think we want to be like the Knicks. I think we'd more like to resemble the Lakers."

The two-time defending NBA champion Lakers are the closest thing to a dynasty today. Prokhorov hopes to transform the Nets into one. He has plenty of work to do.

— Al Iannazzone