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Prokhorov, On His Way, Promises Championship in Five Years

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Money Russia
Money Russia

Sometime Monday night, a Gulfstream V carrying the new owner of the New Jersey Nets touched down in New York. Mikhail Prokhorov will get some rest before embarking on a whirlwind of appearances, interviews, a press conference and no doubt some very pricey meals. There'll also be a round of hand shaking with Nets' employees.

But before leaving Moscow, Prokhorov recorded a video message to Nets fans in which he promised to build the team quickly, provide the front office with all the resources it needs and be personally involved in the recruiting of free agents.

Here are some quotes from the two-minute long message, shot in his sister's kitchen:

"If everything goes as planned, I expect to be in the playoffs next season...and championship in one year minimum and maximum in five years... 

"The excitement is with the Nets.  We will have a desire to win that is unmatched anywhere in the league.  This will be a first class organization with all the support it needs... 

"This will be the first truly global team in the NBA with exceptional international exposure no other team can reach, and there will be fans of the Nets from New Jersey to Brooklyn to Moscow...

“I can convince the very best of the best that the Nets are the place they want to be.”

The Russian billionaire will be at the NBA Draft Lottery in Secaucus Tuesday night, when he'll make some limited remarks. Then, Wednesday, he'll hold an introductory press conference in midtown Manhattan before going head-to-head with WFAN's Mike Francesa at 2 p.m.  Oh yeah, Wednesday night, you might find him getting some cheers at a nearby Stadium. Did someone say new Steinbrenner?

  • With Prokhorov in front row, Nets seek lottery win - Brian Mahoney - AP
  • Nets' new Russian owner hopes to win Lottery - Agence France Presse
  • NETS: Prokhorov Tracker - New Jersey Nets
  • NETS: 2010 Draft Central - New Jersey Nets
  • NETS: Nets Lottery Facts - Ben Couch - New Jersey Nets
  • 2010 NBA draft: Lottery preview - ESPN - Chad Ford - ESPN Insider
  • Prokhorov Plans to Bring in the Best (i.e. LeBron) - NetLeBron
  • N.B.A. Lottery Will Settle a Lot and Little - Howard Beck - New York Times
  • Nets Will See if a Billionaire Can Bring Good Fortune - Howard Beck - New York Times
  • Prok's 5-year Nets title plan - Fred Kerber - New York Post
  • Revival just a bounce away - George Willis - New York Post
  • Owner: Nets will win title - Al Iannazzone - The Record
  • Nets in a must-win situation - Al Iannazzone - The Record
  • Nyets Leave Nothing to Chance - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News