NBA

NBA: Expect Prokhorov to take Nets reins in May

Soon … not as soon as some suspect … but soon.

Like less than three weeks soon.

That’s when Russian billionaire Mikhail is expected to take over ownership of the Nets, an NBA spokesman said yesterday.

With the vacant possession issue resolved and all pertinent tenants and businesses due out of the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards site by May, the league expects Prokhorov to be approved “by the middle of the month [of May],” the league said.

Prokhorov needs the approval of the Board of Governors, a foregone conclusion. The board does not need to gather to vote and could do so by teleconference. Approval might lead to Prokhorov sitting on the dais at the May 18 lottery.

The lottery, team president Rod Thorn said, could affect the coaching search. Should the Nets land No. 1 (they have a 1-in-4 chance) they would be much more appealing.

Thorn said he still is “gathering information” on “what and who exactly is out there” and noted, “There may be more interest in us after the lottery.”

As for recent comments such as Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy claiming he doubts brother Jeff would be interested in the Nets at this time, Thorn said it would be wrong to rule anybody out at this point. He’ll consider everyone.

“Even going back to Chicago, I have hired all different types of coaches. Assistants, former players. To me, it’s the guy, not the position he has now,” Thorn said. “At this point, I would say don’t rule anybody out.”

So Jeff Van Gundy and Avery Johnson remain as candidates among former head coaches. For assistants, Houston’s Elston Turner and Boston’s Tom Thibodeau may be considered. And Villanova’s Jay Wright is a collegiate possibility.