During a recent stay in the States, Russian billionaire and New Jersey Nets majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov held a press conference to discuss the team’s future and their future move to the Barclay Center in Nets co-owner Jay-Z’s hometown of Brooklyn. Prokhorov recently purchased 80% of the Nets franchise and 40% of its currently under construction Brooklyn arena. In his first press conference since the purchase, Prokhorov talked about the benefits of the upcoming move and what it will do to take the team to the next level.

“What I like about Brooklyn is its absolute ethnic diversity,” said Prokhorov. “It gives a lot of energy. It gives a lot of opportunity. For me, Brooklyn is a really exciting place. And I’m looking forward to having more opportunity to speak to the people and get to know this place better.”
Prokhorov also addressed issues about the team’s losing record. This past season, the Nets went 12-70, starting off the season 0-18 under former coach Lawrence Frank. Frank was then replaced by the team’s general manager and former New York Knick Kiki Vandeweghe, who Prokhorov said will not return as coach when his contract ends this summer. In order to improve the team, Prokhorov says he will be looking to sign a number of free agents.

“We need to add a little bit of team spirit,” said Prokhorov. “We need to add some players because the last season, the team was short-staffed. And, we’ll add a little bit of luck, a little bit of money, and we’ll go straight to the top.”