Daily Link: Barclays Not Guaranteed to Sell
May 30, 2010 Brooklyn, Daily Link, Mikhail Prokhorov
In an article on Slam Online, Kyle Stack talks to Robert Boland, a sports management professor at NYU, about Mikhail Prokhorov and the Barclays Arena under construction in arena. A lot of this article is the same old same old about Prokhorov, but Boland has an interesting take on the arena:
“They will have trouble selling out the arena the first couple of years,” Boland said. “The Knicks are having trouble selling out and they’re in Madison Square Garden with four million people walking under it every day.”
Even though the Nets’ Brooklyn arena would seemingly benefit from the 2.5 million people who live in the borough and the resulting enthusiasm of Brooklyn finally getting a pro sports team after what will have been a 54-year pro sports drought, there are plenty of questions yet to be answered. First on the list is whether fans are willing to pay for tickets to watch a team which has no assurance of being among the NBA’s elite during the next several years.
For starters, the arena is going to open a few years out, at which point the Nets will hopefully be in the Eastern Conference mix again. Second, I think there’s going to be a general curiosity the first few years of this thing, that will sell a bunch of tickets to casual fans. The Brooklyn market has gone untapped for decades, and as someone who lives in the borough, I don’t think you can just look to MSG and Manhattan to determine that Brooklyn will likely follow suit. They’re two completely different markets from my perspective. Also keep in mind that the Knicks have been miserable for nearly a decade. The Nets misery at this point has been short lived in comparison, and quite frankly, if the Knicks don’t land LeBron this summer, as they’ve been subtlety promising their fans they’re going to do for the past year, I think there’s a very good chance that a number of disenchanted Knicks fans will jump to the Nets camp.
Ladies & Gentlemen, Get Up & Cheer: Mikhail Prokhorov Has Arrived
May 18, 2010 2010 Free Agents, 2010 Offseason, Brooklyn, Devin Kharpertian, HOPE!, LeBron James, Mikhail Prokhorov, Positivity, Prudential Center
Our new owner is in the middle of a busy week. Between landing in the United States, fielding multiple press conferences, an appearance at the NBA Draft Lottery, making time Wednesday night to visit Yankees Stadium, and weathering a spit storm from having a conversation with Mike Francesa, oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov is a hot commodity in the New Jersey area these days. Finally approved as the first international owner of an NBA team last week, I think all Nets fans would agree after dealing with the last six years of Bruce Ratner at the helm that any shift in ownership is a welcome change. It’s not just for the sake of difference, though; The allure of the Russian billionaire is what Jay-Z would call “far too much for (us) to ever ignore.”
I must say, my new favorite defining piece of the Prokhorov madness is a gem. It’s not another wild, thrill-seeking stunt (although I do love that we have an adrenaline junkie for an owner), or an appearance with some TV or radio personality. It is a personal, two-minute message that Prokhorov made – for us, the fans – to kick off playing with his newfound toy.
Mikhail Prokhorov Set To Take Over Today
May 11, 2010 2010 Free Agents, 2010 Offseason, Brooklyn, Mikhail Prokhorov
As everyone has probably read already, there are a number of reports that the current NBA owners are voting on Mikhail Prokhorov’s bid to become the owner of the New Jersey Nets. According to Julian Garcia, Prokhorov is going to need 75% of the vote, and if he gets it, Prokhorov will be the man in charge:
Prokhorov would become the league’s first non-North American owner and also its second-richest, behind Portland’s Paul Allen. According to Forbes‘ most recent list of wealthiest people in the world, Prokhorov is worth approximately $13.4 billion – a fortune that has the Nets and their fans hopeful they will quickly turn around the 12-70 record they compiled this season. “It’s been coming for some time but it looks like it’s about to come to fruition,” said Nets president Rod Thorn, who is expected to get a new contract shortly after Prokhorov takes over.
I think everyone is assuming that the 75% vote is going to happen (because we probably would have heard something about it if it didn’t happen), and when it does we are going to be going from one of the stingiest owners in the league, to one who is set to be the most willing to spend.
Things have been exciting for Nets’ fans and he hasn’t even taken over yet. There is talk of taking over a D-League team in a hybrid deal (something that some of the best run teams do), talk of throwing money at a big name coach, and talk of Prokhorov to do whatever it takes to put the best team out there. It is going to be funny to see how Nets’ fans (including myself) handle the change. I have been on the record here (and other places) saying that I think Eddie Jordan would be a really good fit as coach for the Nets, should I change who I want to see the Nets go after because Prokhorov is taking over?
One thing is for sure, Prokhorov cares about winning, and he is set to become a hands on owner (He even wants to represent the Nets at the Draft Lottery next week). I am almost willing to compare him to Mark Cuban in that regard, and you have seen how well it has worked for the Mavs. 10 straight 50 win seasons? Sign me up for that.
Barclays Center Finally Within Reach…I Hope…
Apr 22, 2010 Brooklyn, Mikhail Prokhorov, Opinion
After the groundbreaking of the Barclays Center, it looked like a Nets’ move to Brooklyn was a lock, but as it has been the case with the move, something got in the way. Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a New Jersey congressman says was demanding a government inquiry into Mikhail Prokhorov, the Russian billionaire poised to buy the New Jersey Nets, for his extensive business dealings in Zimbabwe. Now, I am not going to pretend to be someone who knows the laws, but in my opinion this was just political grandstanding from someone looking to gain some popularity. It also should be mentioned that when the Nets leave New Jersey, so does a pretty large chunk of money. So while Mr. Pascrell Jr. might have had some good intentions about questioning the deal, I refuse to believe ethics was the sole (or most important) reason.
Mikhail Prokhorov and David Stern were quick to respond to these attacks (from Dave D’Alessandro)
Prokhorov’s corporation, Onexim Group, issued a statement calling the New York Post report that on which Pascrell based his allegation “erroneous,” insisting that “the company and all its holdings have always been in strict compliance with all United States and European rules regarding Zimbabwe and we have no dealings whatsoever with companies or individuals on the sanctions list.”
The NBA, which came under criticism by Pascrell for a lax vetting process, took it a step further: The league said Pascrell had the wrong interpretation of the law.
“U.S. companies are not prohibited from doing business in Zimbabwe; rather, they are prohibited from conducting business with specifically identified individuals or entities in that country,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA is aware of no information that Mr. Prokhorov is engaged in business dealings with any of these individuals or entities.”
The statement reiterated that Prokhorov’s application is “still on track to be voted on by the NBA Board of Governors once a firm date is set for the State of New York to take full possession of the arena site.”
After this issue was swept under the rug, that left one more thing in the way of Brooklyn for the Nets. Daniel Goldstein and Develop Don’t Destory Brooklyn. Yesterday, that “problem” seems to be taken care of as Daniel Goldsteinagreed to move out of his home May 7 after reaching a deal with Bruce Ratner that will pay him $3 million.
Nets on the Net: 4/21/10 Edition
Apr 21, 2010 Brooklyn, Coaching, Draft Lottery, Nets on the Net, Yi
Ben Couch takes a look at all of the draft lottery probabilities.
Jeff Van Gundy offers no comment on the prospects of him coaching the Nets next season.
If you’re in NYC limits and spot a yellow cab, it may be advertising suites at the Barclays Arena.
Who are the NBA’s worst defenders? Well, there’s a Net somewhere on the list.
Nets on the Net: 4/20/10 Edition
Apr 20, 2010 Brooklyn, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Coaching, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Rod Thorn
The buzz around the organization the last 24 hours has been Rod Thorn, who looks to be staying on as team president once Mikhail Prokhorov takes over.
Here’s Ben Couch with the video of Rod.
From Al Iannazzone’s report, Rod on the coaching candidates: “I’m trying to ascertain who might have interest,” Thorn said. “We have some people we have interest in and then maybe some candidates you wouldn’t consider who might have an interest in it.”
Fred Kerber asks an executive their advice for Rod’s coaching search: “They have young players there; they’ve got a bunch of picks. Maybe they even trade a pick to get a coach,” the exec said. “But whoever they get is going to have to develop a lot of young guys and be the bridge until the move.”
Julian Garcia reports that the Nets are interested in Boston Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau.
Dave D’Alessandro includes Rod’s plans for Chris Douglas-Roberts, who has a team option: “As of right now that decision has not been made. Because we don’t know exactly what we’re going to do. For a lot of these options, a lot will depend on … who are we (signing), who we might be able to sign, how much money that we’ll need. A lot of things that need to be firmed up.”
Former Duke players don’t see Coach K. leaving the university’s coaching ranks.
One Bleacher Report contributor believes the Nets will be in the NBA Finals in four years.
Freddy’s Bar, ground zero for the opposition to the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, is closing and relocating to Park Slope.
Nets on the Net: 4/2/10 Edition
Apr 2, 2010 Brett Yormark, Brooklyn, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Rod Thorn, Terrence Williams
Tim Legler on the Nets and Brooklyn: Here’s the thing, though: Very grudgingly, Brooklyn is starting to peek at what Brook Lopez is doing and to wonder whether John Wall can become the Nets’ Patrick Ewing. The team’s new owner, Mikhail Prokhorov — maybe he’ll turn out to be the one clean Russian oligarch! (Ha.) Yes, the politics and finances of the stadium remain an outrageous scam, but if the turmoil is now inevitable, Brooklyn didn’t want the pain compounded by watching the Nets compile the NBA’s all-time-worst record. The mythology surrounding the “lovable loser” Brooklyn Dodgers was probably always just that, a myth — finishing 42 games out of first place was surely no fun to sit through.
Meanwhile, the new arena is slated to have a “meditation room.” I’m assuming it’s for the players, but what about for the fans after this season?
Dave D. treats us all with another mailbag, loaded with goodies about Prokhorov, free agents, coaching and more.
Mitch Lawrence of the Daily News is reporting something we’ve sorta, kindof known for some time: Brett Yormark and Rod Thorn will be back next season under Prokhorov.
Lawrence talks to Steve Nash about the Nets’ future: “They should be excited about the new owner,” said Phoenix’s Steve Nash, after the Suns’ win in the Meadowlands on Wednesday night. “He’s got incredibly deep pockets, and, in many ways, a positive attitude as far as spending. I think he will build a winner. If you have money and you’re a good businessman and you’re willing to spend, you can be successful. It seems that teams will struggle when they’re not willing to spend.”
Fred Kerber, who earlier this season had “words” with Terrence Williams, only has flattery for TWill now: And that is just part of Williams’ game that is blossoming, causing many to take notice. He is more than just a bundle of athleticism. He’ll jump through the rafters for a rebound, outrace the pack for a scintillating dunk on the break. But he’ll also put the ball right where it’s supposed to be.
Rick Bozich of the Lousville Courier-Journal opines that coach Rick Pitino will pass on coming to the Nets and stay in Lousiville.
The Charleston Post-Courier calls the Nets “winners” in an editorial: Winners never quit, and quitters never win. That’s one of the many worthy maxims from the sports realm. And the New Jersey Nets, despite their dismal record this season, aren’t quitters. Nor, thanks to winning three of four games after losing 63 of their first 72, are they still at risk of recording the worst won-lost record in NBA history.
Nets on the Net: 3/15/10 Edition
Mar 15, 2010 Brook Lopez, Brooklyn, Nets on the Net
Does Brook Lopez foul too much?
The Editorial page of the Star-Ledger bemoans the Nets plans to move to Brooklyn: You’d think it would be easy to say goodbye to a team with fewer victories than Congressional Republicans. But chances are the Nets are going to get good and sexy before they leave — like the spouse who loses the weight, gets the makeover, then runs off with, well, a Russian millionaire.
Bleacher Report looks at the five most disappointing teams of the 2009-10 season.
Some more reasons to get excited about Evan Turner.
Nets on the Net: 3/12/10 Edition
Mar 12, 2010 Brett Yormark, Brooklyn, Nets on the Net, Terrence Williams
Sebastian was talking Brooklyn over at the Daily Dime last night.
Our good friend Henry Abbott at the TrueHoop mothership asks what Brooklyn native and renown Knicks fan Spike Lee is going to do once the Nets officially move in.
Al Iannazzone depicts the daily beat writers struggle when talking about Bruce Ratner’s victory lap yesterday: As a colleague said to me last night, it’s wrong that Ratner goes on these shows when these major things happen and doesn’t talk to the regular guys covering the team. We haven’t spoken to Ratner since last April.
Terrence Williams is ready for the grown-up table: Maturity is a word mentioned often. Vandeweghe said Williams’ “maturity level is rising.” Even Williams admits he’s grown up some and is concentrating on playing.
Here’s some video of CEO Brett Yormark on Fox Business News yesterday:
Brooklyn Groundbreaking Live Blog
Mar 11, 2010 Brooklyn, Bruce Ratner, Live Blog
So after all of the court dates, changed dates, boycotts, and assumptions the Brooklyn Nets will finally become official after today’s groundbreaking ceremony. Join me @ 1:30 for a live-blog here. You can either read along or add to the discussion in the comments. See you at 1:30.
1:28 - Alright guys, I got the ceremony tuned on and ready to go. It is on YES for those in the tri-state area. I caught the tail end of an episode of Nets’ magazine, and they were talking T-Will. A quote from him, “My goal for this team is everyone goes out and plays as hard as they can.”
1:30 – …and here we go…
1:31 – We got Chris Shearn and Jessica Taff here. Such a big day you’d think YES would break the bank to get Marv and the Czar here today.
1:34 – They just showed all of the shovels. There were a lot of them, how many people are here? A quote from Chris Shearn, “When the shovels go into the ground, there will be a lot of happy people.”
1:36 - They are listing celebrities from Brooklyn, and Debra Messing got mentioned. I hope this isn’t what is going to be going on the entire hour. Seems they are just killing time until the speakers get going.
1:39 – Jessica Taft just mentioned that this project will create jobs…for the third time. They are looking for things to kill time with. Apparently everyone has been asked to take their seats.
1:40 – Now we are getting to the awesome stuff. They are making the practice facility so that people walking along the streets can see inside. They have this for the Pacers in Conseco Fieldhouse, and I saw it when I was in Indiana. I gotta say, even when it is empty it is pretty surreal to walk by and be able to see where NBA players practice.
1:42 – Because I write for NetsAreScorching, I am on the Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn e-mail list. They are calling this the “Ratner’s Arena Boondoggle Ceremony.” Now, I don’t agree with the DDDB, but I gotta say, that is pretty funny. I wonder if we are going to be able to catch any protesters on TV.