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Brooklyn Nets: Prokhorov/Kidd Split Getting Uglier

By David Ramil

Nov 3, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov speaks to the media before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov speaks to the media before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to grudges, it seems as through Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov isn’t willing to say do svidaniya just yet.

The eccentric Russian billionaire still has an ax to grind with Jason Kidd, the former Nets player and head coach who, after just one season, left the team to join the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching staff. In one of the more dramatic stories this summer, Kidd seemed to initiate a failed power play to wrest more control from Nets general manager Billy King.

When the reported play failed, it was later alleged that Kidd had already made contact with new Bucks ownership and discussed a coach/GM position with the team. Kidd was traded to the Bucks for two second-round draft picks.

Needless to say, Prokhorov wasn’t too happy about the way he was played and recently said to reporters (via ESPN):

"“I think there is a nice proverb in English: Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord has split you. So I think that each side, we did what we 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.”"

Kidd, as a first-year coach with no experience at any level, was often criticized during his short tenure with the Nets. The team struggled to start the season and he was later fined for his role in causing a play stoppage by asking a player to force contact that would spill a drink on the playing floor.

Lionel Hollins, who learned under the tutelage of legendary hall-of-fame coach Dr. Jack Ramsay, was hired to replace Kidd and was previously the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Prokhorov’s statement was his first since the bizarre drama of this summer. When asked if he was disappointed by the whole affair, he responded:

"“I think we shouldn’t get mad. I think we should get even. And we will see it on the court.”"

Kidd was hired as part of an “all-in” strategy by the Nets to secure a championship with a loaded, veteran roster that included Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce, among others. The Nets eventually lost to the Miami Heat in the postseason and fell well short of their goal. The removal of Kidd was the first of many cost-cutting moves, including the decision to let Pierce leave as as high-priced free agent.

According to sources, the Nets may have lost as much as $144 million last season. Prokhorov was rumored to be selling his share of the team to offset the loss. But, according to his recent statement, “it’s not a big deal.”

Must be nice. The owner expressed that he intends to remain with the Nets.

"“My position is that I will not give up control of the team. But you know, I am quite happy when somebody sends me a nice offer without taking my controlling interest. I think for the time being nothing is imminent. But still I think it is not bad just to listen.”"

All of this is a far cry from where this team was last season, a potential title-contender that seemed stable and willing to take a risk (Kidd’s hiring and questionable personnel moves). Now, with the Kidd-era a fading memory of futility, the team’s future is very up in the air.

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