We try to explain the NBA Draft Lottery, from numbered balls to what happens if there's a power outage in Secaucus. Stranger things have happened on Lottery night. Ask Derrick Rose.

Step 1 was getting Mikhail Prokhorov approved. Check. Step 2 is getting the overall #1 pick in the Draft Lottery Tuesday night. Steps 3 and 4, a new coach and success in the free agent scramble could depend on that second step.

The reality is setting in on national basketball writers. Mikhail Prokhorov is a game-changer for the Nets...starting with the pursuit of LeBron James. Michael Wilbon argues Prokhorov's charm is going to woo and wow LeBron.

Last Sunday, there was a lot of anticipation--and some anxiety--about the team's impending sale.  By 12:30 Wednesday, done deal. The closing triggered a number of other events. For one, proceeds...

Russia's best-known expert on the NBA, broadcaster Vladimir Gomelskiy, takes a crack at how to rebuild the Nets. His insights show he's been paying attention and his family and Prokhorov remain close, so it may not be just an academic exercise.

The Prudential Center is a state-of-the-art, three-year-old arena and the Nets' new home. But say writers who've talked to NBA executives, it's a big detriment for the Nets in the recruiting of LeBron James. Why? Because it's in Newark.

Shaquille O'Neal, Newark native and free agent, says he would consider his hometown team during free agency and still harbors thoughts of owning a piece of the Nets...if they stay in Newark.

Jeff Van Gundy had an opportunity Friday to deny interest in the Nets job. He didn't use it and instead told SNY that "Any coach that's interested in coaching would be interested in that job." JVG has had kind words for the two guys who would hire him: Mikhail Prokorov and Rod Thorn.

The anticipation grows about the NBA Draft Lottery, which will take place during half time of the early playoff game Tuesday.  The rules and regulations can be left for another day.  The focus...