Thorn: Prokhorov Gave Me Free Hand in Hiring Head Coach

Word is that Mikhail Prokhorov runs his companies very simply: He puts people he trusts in charge and then lets them do their thing.  Rod Thorn says that's exactly what happened during his search for a new head coach. 

"He left it totally to me," Thorn told WFAN's Mike Francesa.  "He didn't have any input at all. I kept him informed as we went along and what I thought (about candidates).  He never said, 'I like this guy, I like that guy'."

Thorn added that doesn't mean he doesn't care or, as some have suggested, doesn't know enough.  "He's definitely engaged, knows a lot about it.. He was a player. He's run basketball teams before...although the rules are different.  He knows the game and loves the game and is very engaged in it."

In discussing Avery Johnson, Thorn declined to say much about the new coach's plan for staff other than to say, "Avery and I have talked breifly about staff. I think staff is always critical...we must have skills teachers."  Johnson has said he intends to hire his own staff.

• Rod Thorn Interview (Audio) - Mike Francesa - WFAN
• Rod Thorn Would Prefer The Nets Were In Brooklyn As They Get Set To Court The NBAs Prized Free Agents - DigUps Sports