Q&A: Mikhail Prokhorov

Courtesy of Tom Lorenzo 

On Lionel Hollins: "He is a meat and potatoes coach with a great reputation, and what I like is that all the players really respect him," Prokhorov said." Hollins told the media that he has yet to meet face to face with Prokhorov, but Prokhorov did say that he "looks forward to meet him" during his current stay in Brooklyn."

On selling the team: "My position is that I will not give up control of the team. But, you know I'm quite happy when somebody sends me a nice offer without taking my control. For the time being nothing is imminent, but still I think it's not bad not to listen."

"I will not give up control of the team."

"From what we feel now, we have a lot of proposals to buy the minority of the team....and we're willing to listen."

On his investment in the Nets: "It's five times, six times more that what we spent, and that's why it's a very good business."

On losing $114 million in basketball operations last season: "It's not a big deal."

On whether he would buy Bruce Ratner's 20% share: "We have a great partnership with Bruce (Ratner). I will not speak for him."

On Jason Kidd: "You know, I think there is a nice proverb in English; don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you...I like what we have now. We have a really strong coach and a really strong GM in Billy King."

"You know, I think we shouldn't get mad, we should get even."

How often will he be in Brooklyn this year: "Twenty-five percent of the home games."

On not signing Paul Pierce: "I think that Paul Pierce is a great man, but we need to have some really experienced players and we need to have space for the youngsters."

On whether or not he has passion in owning the franchise: "It's a combination; it's passion, it's professionalism, and of course sometimes you need money."