The words said one thing. The body language, the expressions and the tone said something entirely different.
There was no positive spin the Nets, including new Russian billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov, could place on the biggest loss of the worst season in franchise history. Yes, they will draft a good player. But it’s a virtual certainty it will not be Kentucky’s John Wall or Ohio State’s Evan Turner.
After winning just 12 games and threatening to set the lousiest record ever, the Nets placed third in the NBA draft lottery last night in Secaucus. So now Georgia Tech’s Derrick Favors and Kentucky’s DeMarcus Cousins head the wish list. Syracuse small forward Wesley Johnson is a darkhorse at No. 3.
NEW RUSSIAN OWNER CAN’T HIDE DISAPPOINTMENT
“Sometimes, luck makes all the difference, but it never comes down to one player. I’m sure we’re going to get a great player. For our team, the only way is up,” said Prokhorov, who sat on the lottery dais.
“We (felt) whether we were first, second, third or fourth, we were going to have the opportunity to draft a very good player,” said a visibly upset team president Rod Thorn. “It’s a lottery. So if you’re disappointed, you’re setting yourself up.”
The Nets were a 1-in-4 shot to get first and thus grab Wall, the franchise-changing guard. Slots 14 to 7 held form. After juggling at 6-5-4, there was a pause. When matters resumed, the first card shown was the Nets.
Even lottery disappointment couldn’t dim the enthusiasm of Prokhorov, who arrived at the event early after a meeting with Thorn.
“My job is to make sure the team has everything it needs and maybe more. I think I will find the best people (on the) market, together with Rod Thorn,” said Prokhorov, who will hold a press conference in midtown today. “If everything goes as planned, I predict that next season we’ll be in the playoffs and as championship (team), minimum one year and maximum five.”
The Nets will pick 27th and 31st. By then they likely will have a young talented forward. Here was one opposing lottery executive’s thumbnails on the three.
“Favors is upside. Big time body, has a V-shaped kind of body. Big, wide shoulders. Raw but has good hands. A tough kid. But it’s going to take him a little more time than the others,” said the exec, who cautioned on Cousins that his court focus and immaturity has raised flags. “Still, if he plays smart, he’ll be fine. He plays below the rim but he is a big man. Huge and a good rebounder. Great, great hands. Johnson is a great shooter, but defensively there are questions.”
Thorn and the entire Nets camp knew it would be Wall, then Turner.
“We have a lot of work to do to figure out exactly who we’ll take,” Thorn said.
Thorn, still looking for a coach — Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau and ex-Mavs coach Avery Johnson loom as favorites — said the third pick won’t affect his search “a whole lot. We’re going to try to get some things done in a timely fashion.” Some felt a No. 1 might entice the likes of Jeff Van Gundy.
Last season Sacramento had the worst record and fell to fourth where it took Tyreke Evans — the Rookie of the Year.
“The lottery is just gambling. You’re hoping you get the power ball, but you can be a winner even if you don’t get the No. 1 pick,” Evans said.
*
Thorn gave a firm “no comment” on reports he and Prokhorov were working on an extension. Prokhorov told TNT, “Regarding Rod Thorn, we want to keep him on. He’s a great guy, one of the best in the league.” . . . GM Kiki Vandeweghe said he has heard nothing on his status. His contract is up end of June.