Nets Getting Respect With Game-Changer Prokhorov

The reality is sinking in for national basketball writers.  Mikhail Prokhorov is a game-changer for the Nets...starting with the pursuit of LeBron James.  Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post certainly thinks so.  After going through all the possible destinations for James, he argues strongly for the Nets.

"That roster is hands-down better than what the Knicks have, and the Heat, too," he writes. "That's the meat. But LeBron ultimately will fall for the sizzle, for the new arena in Brooklyn, for his pal Jay-Z sitting courtside and mostly for the irresistible charms of owner Mikhail Prokhorov, the new billionaire owner. Prokhorov is going to seduce LeBron to New Jersey/Brooklyn; just watch."

He even suggests that the Nets' lack of tradition will be appealing to the Cavs' star...less pressure. And Wilbon is not alone.

• Will LeBron James make a basketball decision or a personal one? - Michael Wilbon - Washington Post
• From Russia With Love - Nathaniel Vinton - New York Daily News
• Prokhorov should move to Brooklyn - and earn the borough's trust - Alex Nazaryan - New York Daily News
  
• The Guessing Begins on James’s Destination - Howard Beck - New York Times
  
• LeBron James could end up in New York -- with the Nets - Rob Parker - ESPN New York
• If LeBron is smart, he won't overlook Nets - Ed Graney - Las Vegas Review-Journal
  
• Where Will LeBron Play Next Year? (Video) - Stuart Scott, Avery Johnson & Jamal Mashburn - ESPN
• What's LeBron thinking? Will he stay or will he go? - Brian Windhorst - Cleveland Plain-Dealer