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For the first time in a long time, the Nets’ weakness won’t be power forward. They acquired a quality big man and proven double-double performer, getting Troy Murphy from Indiana in a four-team trade that sent Courtney Lee to Houston. Now shooting guard may be a little weaker, so it’s up to Terrence Williams and Anthony Morrow to seize the opportunity, produce and defend. But getting Murphy – after Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer said no in free agency – is a ... READ MORE>

The Nets begin the work week under new management. For the first time in 10 years, Rod Thorn isn’t the man pulling the trigger on all basketball decisions. Thorn left the building Friday; he’s the former Nets president now. His legacy is secure after acquiring Jason Kidd and seeing the star-crossed franchise to two NBA Finals. Thorn’s legend would have been greater if he got LeBron James to choose the Nets over Miami. Thorn wouldn’t have resigned if James picked the ... READ MORE>

The Nets shot for the moon and hoped to land some of the biggest stars in free agency. But they came crashing down to earth with nothing to show for their lofty ambitions, bravado and bluster. Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov and part-owner Jay-Z were supposed to be two of the biggest names in this chase, but their money, power and global vision couldn’t match what Micky Arison, Pat Riley and the Miami Heat were offering. LeBron James, Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade chose to be teamm ... READ MORE>

LeBron James wants to see the Nets first. That has to mean something. No one is saying the Nets are the frontrunners to sign James in free agency. For the longest time, most NBA experts dismissed the Nets. Only recently have you started hearing they are ahead of the Knicks and in the race. Our feeling is the Nets do have a shot at the biggest fish in the free-agent pond. James may decide to go somewhere else like Miami or Chicago. He could stay in  Cleveland. A plausible scenario woul ... READ MORE>

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –- The Nets went into the NBA Draft with free agency on their mind and a big part of whatever they did. They may have taken it to the extreme. They got a James in Thursday night’s draft and a power forward who likens himself to Amar’e Stoudemire. Next week the Nets hope they can get the real Stoudemire and the only James that anyone has been talking about in NBA circles for the last few years. For now, the Nets are happy to say they drafted the supe ... READ MORE>

Finding holes on a 12-70 team is like trying to find fish and birds on the Gulf Coast covered by oil -– they’re everywhere. But the Nets filled two of their holes since the season ended. They got an owner who spends (Mikhail Prokhorov) and hired a coach who actually is a coach (Avery Johnson). They figure to fill more needs between this week and next. The Nets are solid at center and point guard with Brook Lopez and Devin Harris, respectively. They need a power forward, small f ... READ MORE>

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Avery Johnson officially took over his second team today and probably sounded more optimistic running a team that lost 70 times this past season than he did when he was given the Mavericks job in 2005. And that that had won 52 games the season before. Johnson did what he was supposed to do and what the Nets needed him to do when he took the podium today for his introductory press conference. He helped breathe life into a team that was essentially dead this ... READ MORE>

Avery Johnson may not have been the Nets’ first choice, but might turn out to be the best choice for what they need after one of the worst seasons in NBA history. Injuries and bad breaks led to 18 consecutive losses to start the season. A lack of coaching, leadership and accountability was why they won just 12 of their remaining 64 games after they were mostly healthy. They lost all those things when Lawrence Frank was fired, but now have it again in Johnson, the Nets new head coach ... READ MORE>

NEW YORK – Mikhail Prokhorov said all the right things today, everything Nets fans wanted to hear, even some who are unhappy that his purchase of the team solidified the eventual move to Brooklyn. Prokhorov was entertaining at his introductory brunch and press conference as the Nets' new owner. He displayed a strong sense of humor, but also exuded confidence about turning the Nets into the envy of the league. Jason Kidd would have loved playing for this guy. Prokhorov is co ... READ MORE>

SECAUCUS, N.J. -– Mikhail Prokhorov learned quickly what it’s like to be associated with the Nets. It happened in his first NBA event as their principal owner. All eyes were on him and the Nets on Tuesday night as Prokhorov sat on the stage, representing his new team at the draft lottery. The Nets held a viewing party at their practice facility where there were wishes, prayers, crossed fingers –- you name it. The Nets had the best chance at winning, at getting Kentucky po ... READ MORE>

The Nets don’t have to worry about any more losses. Everything from here on out, for the most part, will be Net gains. One week has passed since the worst season in Nets’ history ended and already things are moving in a positive direction for the franchise. Rod Thorn gave the strongest indication yet that he will return as Nets’ president during a conference call with reporters earlier this week. Mikhail Prokhorov needs to officially take over before anything is finalized ... READ MORE>

Money won’t be an object for the Nets this summer, be it for a coach or players. That’s what Mikhail Prokhorov taking over means. The Nets have to use that money wisely and by that we mean they can’t overspend for the likes of Rudy Gay and David Lee. Also, the Nets have to make sure when they go shopping they find a leader. They were lacking in so many areas during this 70-loss season and leadership ranked right up there. Back around the time Vince Carter came back to Ea ... READ MORE>