Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov presided over the historic game last night at Barclays Center, where big league professional sports returned to Brooklyn after a 55-year absence.
And with a rebuilt, retooled roster that cost upwards of one-third of a billion dollars, Prokhorov said a conference finals appearance would be a success — this season, at least.
Within three years, what remains of his original five-year plan, he needs a title.
“I have only three years left,” Prokhorov said before the Nets 107-100 win over the Raptors. “Because I said if not, I would get married. So maybe I’m the most devoted guy for the championship to happen.”
Prokhorov had his light moments in his 17-plus-minute interview with the media, but the session started with a serious air as the billionaire expressed his thoughts and concerns for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“I wanted to say on behalf of myself and many, many Russians who have been watching what has gone on here for the last few days,” he said, “we really wish all the people affected by storm a lot of strength and we hope that everything gets back to normal very, very soon. You are in our thoughts, and to those who made it out tonight for the game, thank you for the extra effort.”
Prokhorov then addressed a wide range of topics, including the luxury tax (“It concerns me only to the level we can reach championship or not”), the Knicks’ opening win (“Yesterday I went to bed at 8 p.m. in order to be up at 4 a.m. for the great workout”), the Islanders moving to Barclays Center (“It’s great for Brooklyn”) and the upcoming presidential election (“For me, it’s a win-win situation because President Obama likes basketball, as me, and Mitt Romney, he comes from business, like me. So me, I’m very relaxed”).
But mainly, Prokhorov discussed the Nets and their landmark opener.
“It’s a great day for the community. When I bought the Nets, I had a vision that this is a great opportunity because at the time it was the worst team in the league and they were looking to move to the huge market with a great upside,” Prokhorov said. “I am very lucky that now Brooklyn is our home and we are part of the Brooklyn community. And I think we can do together a great story to be champions.”
But the first step is the conference finals. With a team that has toughness, defense, a big backcourt, a good mix of youth and vets and versatility (in his eyes), the owner thinks it is doable.
“Just good play and maybe conference final,” Prokhorov replied when asked what would make season one a success.