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.
Nets Moving To Newark Eventually
Feb 18, 2010 Brooklyn, Izod Center, Newark, Prudential Center
As the trade deadline passed, there were no trades announced by the Nets. There was a pretty big move announced today though, as the Nets have made it known that they reached an agreement and will be playing their games in the Prudential Center soon. The Star-Ledger has the details:
After months of speculation over whether the struggling NBA team would leave Izod Center in the Meadowlands for a two-year stay at the new Prudential Center in Newark, a deal was struck today to allow the Nets to break their lease for $4 million and move to Newark, according to officials involved in the negotiations.
The early termination fees could be offset in part by advertising, suite revenue and other credits.
The agreement came after the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority voted in secret to approve the deal at a special meeting this morning. A formal announcement is expected later today by Gov. Chris Christie.
This is a great move for the Nets. While there is no word on when the games are going to start being played in Newark, I am guessing it will be next year. I know the move is only temporary, but you know that Free Agents would rather play anywhere other than the Izod Center. I have also been in the Prudential Center (not as a fan), and I can say the locker-rooms and facilities are very very nice. This is a good place to play while waiting for Brooklyn to get done. I am not saying that the Prudential Center will draw fans on it’s own, but it is much more attractive than the Izod.
Plus, this is better for the fans. The Prudential Center is just blocks away from a train station. This means that there is finally a way to get to Nets’ games using mass transit, something that wasn’t all that possible for the Meadowlands. In the article, there was one final interesting note:
Additionally, the Nets agreed that it would not stand in the way of another NBA coming to New Jersey in the future — which leaves the door open to another team coming to the Prudential Center should the Nets finally move to Brooklyn.
Not sure that it would actually ever happen (in my opinion it all depends on how the Nets draw in the Prudential Center), but can you imagine having two New York teams and a team in New Jersey? That could be interesting as a fan…
Nets on the Net: 12/15/09 Edition
Dec 15, 2009 Brooklyn, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Develop Don't Destroy, Izod Center, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center
What division? Chris Douglas-Roberts on Twitter: Just had a great team dinner. Everybody kind of opened up. We all laughed & kicked it w/each other for the first time. I think this is big.
CDR in a quick Q+A with USA Today: What you would be doing if you didn’t play basketball: “I have no idea. I never had a backup plan. That’s why I put 1,000% into this. … I’d be doing something in sports.”
An arena truce bill would put a $3 surcharge on all Prudential Center and Izod Center events in New Jersey, but could help facilitate the Nets temporary move to Newark. Here’s NJ state senate president Richard Codey in The Record: “We shouldn’t have two New Jersey institutions competing against each other and hurting one another economically,” Codey said. “This legislation would help ensure the financial stability of both venues.”
Al Iannazzone wearing his Nets Insider hat: “The Nets have to concentrate their effort on the defensive end. They’re a step slow, a few strides behind and aren’t getting help when they get beaten. More talking, better rotations, more focus all would help.”
Dave D’Alessandro also warns that the Nets need to get their defense together for tonight’s matchup with LeBron James and the Cavs: “Or think of it this way: In their last three games, the Nets have essentially turned into the laissez-faire defenders of ’08-09, yielding an average of 114 points on 50 percent shooting, while making stars out of the likes of C.J. Watson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Mo Evans. Now they’ve got to deal with LeBron James, perhaps the most perfectly engineered offensive specimen the sport has ever seen, and one who has averaged 36.7 points in his last four games.”
Scenes from yesterday’s “junk bond” demonstration by Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn, the lead opposition for the Atlantic Yards development.
Former Nets coach Byron Scott is ESPN’s newest studio analyst.
Nets on the Net: 12/12/09
Dec 12, 2009 Brooklyn, Courtney Lee, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center, Rafer Alston
Devin Harris has used the “D” word after last night’s loss to Indiana. Yes, the team is divided.
Ben Couch with the two part feature on the rise of Rafer Alston. Part one here, and with the effort of second click, here’s part two.
Guess who’s rumored to get a coaching job with the Bulls?
While the bulk of the Barclay Center bonds are considered “investment grade,” there are some needed for the project that are “junk” status.
Another update on the proposed Prudential Center move.
Nets on the Net: 10/27/09 Edition
Oct 27, 2009 Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Devin Harris, Josh Boone, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center, Terrence Williams, Tony Battie, Vince Carter, Yi
On a team without a veteran superstar like Vince Carter and Jason Kidd, Devin Harris is evolving into the team’s leader.
Tony Battie, Josh Boone and Yi Jianlian left yesterday’s practice with assorted bumps and bruises are listed as day-to-day.
Small ball may be the way to go for stretches this season, especially when Terrence Williams is a part of it.
Brook Lopez and Chris Douglas-Roberts used to play together a lot in high school at basketball camp. Now, as part of the Nets, they’re developing a great chemistry with each other.
Al Iannazzone, writing for YES, believes the Nets will struggle, but could still be an exciting team to follow.
Gary Sussman is calling for a standing ovation for Vince Carter at the Izod Friday night. Bleacher Report tries to convince us that VC has never had a true big man to run with.
Zach Harper of TalksHoops gives us his Nets preview complete with an introductory mention of prostitutes in honor of Mikhail Prokhorov.
The Star-Ledger’s editorial board comes out in favor of the proposed temporary move to Newark next year.
You might have heard, but the Nets should have a lot of cap space next summer. But is it smart to build through free agency?
Nets on the Net: 10/24/09 Edition
Oct 24, 2009 Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center, Rafer Alston, Sean Williams
Let’s try to catch you up with a busy Friday and Saturday for Nets news.
First on the Newark front, Nets officials say they will only facilitate a move to the Prudential Center, once construction has begun in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, NJ Democrats seem lukewarm to the idea of the Nets breaking their lease at the Izod Center.
On rookie options: Yes to Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian and Courtney Lee. No to Sean Williams.
NBC sees Brook as a Most Improved Player candidate. ESPN mentions Courtney Lee as a candidate, and Rafer Alston as a Sixth Man candidate.
Slam’s Nets Preview.
Brook Lopez controls his temper.
Vince Carter is happy in his home base.
Prudential Center-Izod Center Deal Imminent
Oct 22, 2009 Brett Yormark, Izod Center, Prudential Center
Less than 24 hours after various media outlets were reporting that the Nets were debating breaking their lease at the Izod Center to set up a home base at the Prudential Center in Newark until if/when the team’s new arena in Brooklyn opens, the Bergen Record is reporting that a truce between the two arenas is drawing close.
Well that was quick.
According to the report, Carl Goldberg, chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, and Jerry Zaro, Governor Jon Corzine’s economic czar, have been meeting for months and Nets chief executive Bret Yormark recently joined the discussion to make this deal happen.
The sticking points seems to be how to ensure that both arenas will generate revenue in the wake of the Nets leaving the Izod Center, the report said. Currently, the Nets would have to pay the sports authority a penalty of about $7.5 million if they break their lease and move anywhere except Brooklyn.
A deal won’t likely be reached until after the gubernatorial elections November 3. The deal should be made regardless of wins the election, according to the report.
Don’t tell that New Jersey State Senator Gerald Cardinale, R-Bergen, who said today he opposed any lease breaking by the Nets – aiming his comments at the Democratic Corzine:
“It would be disturbing if Governor Corzine considers allowing the Nets to move from the Meadowlands to Newark without fulfilling its contractual obligation to the Izod Center. The Nets signed the contract with the Izod Center and should be held to the terms of that contract.”
First off to Gerald Cardinale – oh brother. Stop the presses, a Republican doesn’t like Jon Corzine.
As for the actual news here, I like that both sides are well into discussions on this matter. I’ve never necessarily been in the “Bring them to Newark” camp. I’m in favor of the solution that keeps the Nets competitive, thriving, and in my media market, whether that be in Newark, East Rutherford or Brooklyn. I don’t know how the Nets will sell on a long-term basis in Newark once the city is beyond “audition-mode,” but I do think playing in the Prudential Center next year will help add a touch of legitimacy as the organization tries to lure some free agents. And let me speak as one NYC-based fan that I will absolutely attend more games next season if all I have to do when I get off from work is take the subway to Penn Station and then take a one-seat ride to Newark.
A Message From Newark
Oct 22, 2009 Newark, Prudential Center
In sports, players or coaches will often tip their hats to an electric home crowd, referring to them as the 10th or 13th man on the field. But how often does an otherwise jilted fanbase come together to send a collective message to ownership about the state of their franchise? And how often does that message get sent in games that don’t actually count in the standings and are played in a city that’s not even technically considered “home field?”
With an estimated crowd of about 16,000 fans at last night’s Nets-Knicks preseason matchup at the Prudential Center in Newark, and about 13,000 fans the week before when the Nets played the Celtics at “The Rock,” fans of the “New Jersey” Nets appeared to be sending a message to those who wish to move the franchise away from the Izod Center in East Rutherford to a brand-new arena in Brooklyn: Consider Newark. And maybe, just maybe, if Brooklyn falls through, there’s a way to find your way back here.
Yes, a large chunk of those tickets against the Celtics were basically giveaways – attempts by the Prudential Center and the pro-Newark crowd to inflate the final numbers. If you take those 5,000-6,000 freebies away, the Nets essentially drew against the Celtics what they had been bringing in at the Izod Center in preseasons past.
Last night was a different story. With the New York Knicks in town, the team arena experienced an unexpected walk-up crowd looking for tickets. Parts of the Prudential Center which had been curtained off last week, were unveiled to make additional room. All those freebie tickets were a much smaller percentage of the total crowd.
And inside the arena?
“I thought it was a very pro-Knick crowd, but as soon as the Nets started getting back into it, I realized that the majority of the fans were pro-Nets,” said Reginald Alberto, a Nets fan who attended the game last night as a recipient of a ticket giveaway from Nets Are Scorching. “The fans were constant with the thunder sticks all night. Hearing these fans cheer and chant for the Nets all night long was very refreshing as a Nets fan who is used to fans who cant seem to find a voice … The arena had a big time feel to it even though it was just preseason. Even Joe Jackson came to the game. Joe Jackson would not have showed up at the Izod.”
Newark city officials certainly want the Nets at Prudential Center on a more permanent basis. Newark Mayor Cory Booker is all but playing Johnny Fontane to Mikhail Prokhorov and Bruce Ratner’s Don Corleone. I’m just waiting for someone to yell “act like a man” as Booker continues to plead that Newark already has the arena and a built-in fanbase that would support a New Jersey-based team if someone would just move the Nets there. “I wouldn’t even have to act, just be myself.”
The next question is whether or not the message was received by ownership. The initial prognosis is … maybe. In a report in the Newark Star-Ledger, anonymous team officials said the team is considering setting up a temporary base in Newark as of next season, provided they can break their current lease at the Izod Center without paying a stiff $8 million fine.
As the report also notes, Ratner has always been resistant to keeping the window open in Newark because it could potentially undermine the move to Brooklyn. The proposed Atlantic Yards Development is already under siege from community groups who have filed lawsuit after lawsuit in an attempt to sink the project, or at the very least, delay it long enough for financing to fall through.
So credit must be given to the fanbase for showing up in the numbers they did last night. The Nets have still not given any kind of inclination that Newark or New Jersey in general is in their long-term plans. The game, while played against another local team whose fanbase could reach the Prudential Center easily by transit, was an inconsequential match-up against two teams predicted to be at the bottom of the Eastern Conference this season. By all accounts, the Nets should not have been able to draw 16,000 fans last night. They’ll be lucky to draw 16,000 to a regular season game this season that doesn’t feature LeBron James or Kobe Bryant as part of the visiting team.
There is still love in New Jersey for the Nets – especially in Newark – despite the past six year’s of drama that has seen ownership trade away its star players, dismantle its roster, switch architects to lessen costs, fight lawsuit after lawsuit, and seek help from a Russian oligarch with a checkered past. All in the name in Brooklyn.
As one Brooklyn-based Nets fan put it – there’s just something endearing about keeping the team in New Jersey.
“I would love to see the Nets keep the NJ name even if the thought of them playing 3.5 miles from my house is pretty cool,” said Ralph Nasar, who attended the Nets-Celtics game in Newark courtesy of a free ticket promotion. “It would lose that NJ feel. I was born in New Jersey and love rooting for New Jersey teams.”
Nets on the Net: 10/22/09 Edition
Oct 22, 2009 Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mikhail Prokhorov, Nets on the Net, Prudential Center, Vince Carter
Chris Douglas-Roberts is proving the doubters wrong this preseason.
Members of Mikhail Prokhorov’s Onexim Group were in attendance last night.
Meanwhile, Prokhorov apparently made a great impression with the league this week.
After another successful draw to the Prudential Center last night, the Nets are seriously considering setting up a temporary home there starting next season as they wait for Brooklyn to happen. The one caveat is whether or not they can break their lease at the Izod Center without a stiff penalty.
The differences may be small and hardly noticeable, but the Nets believe they are getting better on the defensive end.
State Development officials are drafting a new deal with Bruce Ratner that may give his Brooklyn development plan a loophole out of creating thousands of units of affordable housing, according to the Brooklyn Paper.
The Orlando Magic follow in the path of the Nets and start a practice jersey sponsorship.
Third Quarter Collapse takes umbrage with the idea that the Magic did not improve with the acquisition of Vince Carter and the loss of Hedo Turkaglu.
A Sellout in Newark?
Oct 21, 2009 2009 Preseason, Prudential Center
The Star-Ledger is reporting a possible sellout for tonight’s Nets-Knicks preseason game at the Prudential Center in Newark. According to the report, attendees are being advised to get there early and fans with a “Mayor’s Pass” voucher, may not get their four tickets honored because of the walk-up ticket demand.
One Prudential Center official said earlier Wednesday that the amount of fans buying walk-up tickets has been “incredible” thus far, according to the report.
A near sellout for any Nets game, no less a preseason one in a building where the team doesn’t even play is an interesting concept. I was impressed when I heard last week that nearly 13,000 people showed up for the first preseason game at the Prudential Center – but I think some of that surprise was tempered when it was revealed that a lot of those tickets were giveaways. So the question remains for tonight: are these tickets freebies? Are these Knicks fans crossing the river for some preseason basketball (though, as Celtic Hub’s Zach Lowe notes today, Knicks fans are necessarily flooding their own home, MSG, right now). Either way, this is an interesting thing to look for tonight.