LOS ANGELES — If Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov had owned the team back in the day, Julius Erving never would have been sold to Philadelphia and the franchise’s status could have forever changed.
But Dr. J, after judging the All-Star Slam-Dunk contest won Saturday night by Blake Griffin, told The Post he thought Carmelo Anthony can do wonders to lift the Nets’ brand.
“They’ve had success making the [NBA] Finals twice, but they haven’t gotten over the hurdle or established themselves, still in the shadow of the Knicks,” Erving said. “Carmelo can change that. I think the new owner will be very instrumental in changing that. He’s got deep pockets and looks like he’s willing to spend.”
Erving also said Griffin has a chance to be a Hall of Famer.