Prokhorov on Kidd: 'We shouldn't get mad, I think we should get even'
Nets' owner Mikhail Prokhorov spoke to media about getting even with Jason Kidd, the increasing value of his team, and keeping control.
By
Zach Harper
•
2 min read
NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has only been an NBA owner since 2010, but he seems like a veteran, longtime owner when it comes to delivering lines to the media.
With the Nets making their home debut Monday night, Prokhorov took in the festivities against Oklahoma City. And he spoke on everything from the value of his franchise, keeping control of the team and couldn't help but have some parting words for former coach Jason Kidd.
Kidd infamously fled the Nets after one year on their sidelines, following a big homecoming of sorts when Prokhorov and GM Billy King brought the Nets legend back to the organization so ceremoniously. After an attempt to make a power play this summer and grab personnel control, Kidd was allowed to leave the Nets and go be the coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. When asked about his thoughts on Kidd's departure, Prokhorov quoted an "old English proverb."
"There is a nice proverb in English," Prokhorov said. "Don't let the door hit you where the Good Lord has split you.
"I think each side did what they thought was the best, and I like what we have now. I think our structure is optimal. We have a very strong, experienced coach, and a very strong GM in Billy King.”
The Nets replaced Kidd with Lionel Hollins, a coaching candidate for them the previous summer when they decided Kidd was the man for them. They also received a future second-round pick from the Bucks as compensation. Prokhorov added that he wasn't angry about the Kidd situation and just wanted to get even.
"I think we shouldn't get mad," Prokhorov said. "I think we should get even. And we'll see it on the court."
There have been rumors abound of a possible sale of the Nets, following their increased value and the overall valuations of NBA franchises increasing considerably following the recent sales of the Sacramento Kings ($535 million), the Milwaukee Bucks ($550 million), and the Los Angeles Clippers ($2 billion). Prokhorov has been known to turn a profit on his businesses, which is how he's amassed a fortune of roughly $13 billion. Prokhorov emphasized several times in the pregame press conference that he was going to keep control of the team.
He said it "was not bad just to listen" to offers for the team.
Prokhorov also claimed that the Nets' losses of $144 million last season, when they had the highest salary and luxury tax payment in NBA history, was "not a big deal." The Nets avoided their continued skyrocketing spending this past summer by letting Paul Pierce go to the Washington Wizards and seeking a more balanced roster in terms of a mix of veterans and young players. Prokhorov said the team needed more of a balance in that respect and that was the reason for the moves they made.
He'll still try to be around for about 25.0 percent of the team's home games, as he still has business dealings all over the world. It's certain that when he does show up to Barclays Center, he'll be one of the owners you want to hear from.
