Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov touts offseason moves in video message to fans
Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov speaks to the media before an NBA game between with Nets and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Nets principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov is extremely satisfied with the moves the team made this summer, talked about a shift in approach and believes they have set themselves up to be successful now and in the future.
"We had a really good offseason, better than a lot of people expected," Prokhorov said in a video message to fans on the Nets' website. "Without a lot of noise we got a lot done."
The Nets re-signed Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young, signed former Knicks Shane Larkin and Andrea Bargnani, as well as Wayne Ellington, Thomas Robinson, Willie Reed, Ryan Boatright, and acquired Quincy Miller, and drafted forwards Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough.
They also parted ways with Deron Williams. They bought out the former All-Star guard, who never lived up to expectations with the Nets and ultimately signed with Dallas.
Prokhorov never mentioned Williams in his message, but he said Lopez and Young returning "gives us continuity in our frontcourt," and "Joe Johnson stays as a core player." Prokohorov also said the Nets have "high expectations" for second-year player Bojan Bogdanovic, praising him for showing "real flashes of brilliance" as a rookie.
"Some of you have noticed a shift in our approach," Prokhorov said. "You'll see a team that's younger and more athletic this season. Our approach has been more strategic, while making all necessary moves to be set up well for the future. But one thing remains constant and make no mistake about it, we're here to win and will do whatever we can."
The Nets, who went 38-44 last season, have made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons in Brooklyn. But Prokhorov promised that he would get married if they didn't win an NBA championship within five years of his buying the team. The Russian billionaire joked that NBA commissioner Adam Silver would stand in for him at the altar.
"Sadly to say, five years have passed and today I'm very happy to say [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver has agreed to take the plunge in my place," Prokhorov said. "Adam, you're a much better man than me. Thank you very much. I wish you and your new bride every happiness."
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
