As for the product on the floor, (Mikhail) Prokhorov doesn’t seem troubled that the Nets will miss the playoffs for the second straight season since he took over. Tuesday’s loss eliminated the Nets from the playoffs.

When Prokhorov became owner before the 2010-11 season, he promised the Nets would deliver a championship within five years.

“The Nets, like the arena, are under construction,” said Prokhorov, who is one of Russia’s richest men.

“I will keep my prediction of a championship. So I will do my best, together … we will make the Brooklyn Nets champions of the NBA. And I am very committed with this.”

Despite this disappointing season that has seen the Nets dress 22 different players and lose more than 200 man-games to injury, Prokhorov is optimistic about the future.

He praised coach Avery Johnson and general manager Billy King, and the team’s young talent. He said he has been impressed specifically with the talent of MarShon Brooks, Gerald Green and Gerald Wallace.

“Of course, if it hadn’t been for the crazy injuries this year I’m sure we would have been in the playoffs, that’s for sure,” Prokhorov said. “But we are patient and I hope all our fans will share our approach to the championship.”

via Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record