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 forward, backup point guard and center, shooters, guys who can defend, who rebound, competitive guys, toughness and winners.

All of that will be hard to find but the Nets have some means with three picks in Thursday's NBA Draft and roughly $26 million for free agency, starting July 1.

Dealing with the

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 past season.

Johnson made people laugh, spoke about the short- and long-term goals of the Nets and more than anything provided hope that the team is in good hands.

The truth is, the Nets are in good hands.

Billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov wants to build a dynasty and he has the cash to do it.

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 and first of the Mikhail Prokhorov era.

As a player, there was no questioning Johnson’s leadership and desire. He bounced around for most of his 16 NBA seasons, but spent a good chunk in San Antonio where he played with David Robinson and Tim Duncan and helped the Spurs to the 1999 NBA championship.

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 convinced he can put together a sales pitch to lure the top free agents to the Nets. He’s also convinced the Nets will raise the championship trophy at the earliest in Newark within the next two years and at the latest in Brooklyn within five years.

He also hinted that the most vilified Net last

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 point guard John Wall, at positioning themselves perfectly to try and get the coach they wanted, a free agent or two most might not have imagined they could get.

The ping-pong balls were supposed to be the Nets’ friend. They wound being another opponent and like so many time this season, the Nets

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 or announced. And we’re getting closer to Prokhorov taking the reins, which is a critical moment for the Nets.

The last tenants remaining on the Brooklyn arena site have agreed to move by May 7 and two small businesses will vacate the area by June 30. No one wants to see anyone evicted and we

The Nets’ best game of the year came in the next-to-last game they will play at their home of 29 seasons. It's doubtful they will be able to top it in Monday’s Izod Center finale.

But it was riveting how the Nets played at the end after giving up a 12-point fourth-quarter lead with 7:40 left and 10-point cushion with 4:43 remaining in regulation.

None of that mattered after the Nets pulled out the 127-116 double-overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls, a game that featured some huge performances.

The biggest was by Terrence Williams. The rookie had his first career triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. The final assist came with 17.6 seconds left in the second OT.

Brook Lopez, whose dunk gave Williams the triple-double, was clutch. He dunked

MILWAUKEE – Mikhail Prokhorov has created a pretty big buzz and he’s not even the Nets’ owner yet. It has to make Nets’ fans, not to mention members of the organization, excited about what could be.

What could be is an environment similar to what Mark Cuban has created in Dallas, where players are taken care of in every way imaginable, given ridiculous amenities and winning is all that matters.

Ten straight years the Mavericks have made the playoffs, all under Cuban. The Nets are closing out their third straight season without postseason basketball.

They hope that streak is snapped by this time next season and it seems Prokhorov is going to do what he can to make sure it happens – and by what he can we mean spend some of his roughly $13.4 billion.

As everyone

Amar’e Stoudemire took a break from his pregame workout routine to address questions about his future. He said he’s not thinking about it yet, but there’s no question he is and he’s given thoughts to joining the Nets.

Stoudemire knows their situation and his. They have good young players and assets galore, including $23 million to use in free agency. Most players like that.

The Suns' big man is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer. He can score and dunk on anyone, is a defensive nightmare and looks to be all the way back from major surgeries on both knees. If you haven’t already, imagine him playing next to Brook Lopez. That sight has to excite the Nets and their fans.

I’ve gone on record, on YES and in The Record, that