Mikhail Prokhorov met with the media before the Nets opened their season against the Raptors, and expressed confidence that his team has what it takes to make noise in the Eastern Conference. When asked what he would deem a successful season, Prokhorov said "our plan is maybe the conference finals."

Still, the goal is to win a championship. Prokhorov also said that this year is critical for Avery Johnson, who happens to be on the last year of his contract.

"For Avery it's a very important year," Prokhorov said, "because for maybe first time he has maybe good roster of talented players. For him it's also a great challenge."

• Prokhorov’s place to call his ‘own’ - Fred Kerber - New York Post
• Mikhail picks sleep over watching Knicks - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• Mikhail Prokhorov has high expectations for Nets - Rod Boone - Newsday
• Prokhorov sets goal for team in first year at Barclays Center: conference finals - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
• Nets open with win as Prokhorov eyes conference finals - Ken Berger - CBS Sports