The latest Nets news and notes from around the ‘nets:
- So, you may have seen the entire internet caught wind of Mikhail Prokhorov’s Tescao workout yesterday, mostly because it’s hard to imagine any NBA owner doing something similar. Michael Jordan would just try to beat his players on the court. Steve Ballmer would sell them on the Microsoft Surface. But a Tibetan martial arts workout? He’s, ahem, unique.
But Prokhorov didn’t just balance on balls and dribble. The Nets owner also spoke with the media about his expectations for this upcoming season and beyond. Per Tim Bontemps of the New York Post:
“You see, I don’t want us to be in the mindset of focusing on next summer,” Prokhorov said. “I think we have a great opportunity to have good results this year in the East.”
He also hinted, as many have suggested, the team has big plans in free agency. They would love to get an audience with Kevin Durant, assuming the Oklahoma City star tests the open market, as expected.
“We have a plan to search [for] opportunities,” Prokhorov said. “I don’t have to tell you guys about that. So, our task for the next season is that we’ll surprise our doubters.” - Also from the above: Prokhorov refuses to talk about — or, apparently, say the name — Deron Williams. “I will say that I discussed all the player moves with Billy, and I signed off on all of them,” Prokhorov said, per Bontemps. Speaking of Williams, he’s stoked to play with Dirk Nowitzki. He’s also limited in Mavericks training camp with a calf injury.
- No update on a potential deal to give Prokhorov full control of Barclays Center. He did say, per reports from training camp, that the deal between the Nets and YES Network was not finalized.
- Barclays Center celebrated its third birthday this past week. How’s it doing? Terrific, according to Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. Interesting Q&A. “I live by the mantra, ‘be happy, but never satisfied.'”
- Yes, Shane Larkin can palm a basketball.
- OK, One more time.
