Prokhorov takes jab Knicks' owner Dolan
Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov referred to his new cross-town counterpart James Dolan of the Knicks as "that little man" in New York Magazine.
In the article describing the Nets marketing plan and approach to their brand accompanying a move from New Jersey to Brooklyn for the 2012 season, the focus is on whether the Nets can consistently fill the Barclays Center and establish Brooklyn as a glimmering borough of basketball hope.
The article reads: "Prokhorov told me back in December that he plans on attending a quarter of the regular-season games and 'all the playoff ones.' He also made sure that I heard him call Dolan 'that little man.'"
If Prokhorov has his way, the Nets will convert Knicks fans to pull for his team, as he said in his introductory press conference. The Nets put up a billboard around their new advertising campaign -- Blueprint to success -- featuring rapper and minority-share owner Jay-Z with Prokhorov across the street from Madison Square Garden.
He's making his presence felt -- in marketing, advertising and by bankrolling a player payroll that features a starting lineup made up of players all making at least $10 million per season -- but the Russian industrial magnate isn't the visible presence his ownership partner Jay-Z has been at Nets games.
Prokhorov is reported to be 6-foot-8, whereas Dolan isn't as tall but does have the advantage of a world-renowned stadium in the heart of New York City.
