« It came from the Blogosphere... (P.M. edition) | Main | As the Times says "Stop the sewer money" in Albany, a prime exhibit could be Ratner's $58K check to a Silver-controlled committee »
October 19, 2009
Iannazzone: Newark is better for Nets
Bergen Record
by Al Iannazzone
Here's another one that eluded our normally all-encompassing grasp last week.
When Mikhail Prokhorov comes to America next week to meet with all the NBA owners and Nets' officials, someone should make sure he visits Izod Center and Prudential Center.
Someone should take the Russian billionaire and prospective Nets' owner to Newark for Wednesday's preseason game against the Knicks, to let him see people in the seats and the lively atmosphere. Someone should take Prokhorov to Izod on the same night, when the building is empty, and tell him it won't be much different when games are being played.
Then someone should ask Prokhorov: Which do you want to play in until the proposed Brooklyn arena is built potentially during the 2011-12 season? After he says The Rock, then tell him there may be a penalty if the Nets break their Izod Center lease, which expires in 2013, but if you're willing to pay, we'll start talking to the Devils and the state.
NoLandGrab: Of course, Prokhorov may never get the chance, since his deal to take a majority stake in the Nets is contingent upon Bruce Ratner successfully sewing up the team's relocation to Brooklyn — as much fantasy as fait accompli at this juncture.
Posted by eric at October 19, 2009 9:30 PM