Everybody knew it was coming, the question was when. Apparently April.
Out of an otherwise tedious press conference Friday, the New York Daily News reported that Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is expected to be approved as owner of the New Jersey Nets in the first half of April, according to Adam Silver, deputy NBA Commissioner (we call him Mr. Second Round). Prokhorov purchased the team in September but is ownership application has yet to be approved by the NBA Board of Governors.
That approval has been expected, the timing was unknown. Already Prokhorov has been active, having a meeting with Nets President Rod Thorn. The Russian has had a couple of his deputies in the lead position in dealing with the team. While rumors have circulated of a massive shakeup in the organization -- like Thorn losing his job -- there tangible signs have pointed the opposite way.
But we’ll fine out what’s really going to happen in about a month.