I refuse to criticize or blame Prokhorov for not signing LeBron, Wade, Bosh or convincing Melo to sign an extension with the Nets if a trade went through. Those players did not want to come to the Nets. I don't care how great a sales pitch is, you can't convince someone to go somewhere or do something if they know what they want to do and have their hearts set on it. Melo had his heart set on the Knicks. Those other three had it planned out to sign with Miami. Nothing Proky could say or do would convince them otherwise.

Now, a lot of reports saying Deron is not happy with the trade. But the difference is Deron is under Nets control through next year. Prokhorov and company MUST sell Deron on being a Net is a good thing and a team he should want to play for. How they have their eyes on Dwight Howard, but they want and need him.

This is all on Prokhorov. He has to step up. If the Nets fail to sign Deron to an extension, Prokhorov can not slide.

But I also ask something from you, Nets fans. Let's make Deron feel welcome. Let's embrace him. Let's make him want to stay  with the Nets. Let's fill the Rock on Monday night and show him the Nets are a team that is now on the rise and a team that means business and has its sights on a championship...in 2012....

LET'S GO NETS