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Billionaire Brooklyn Nets owner and former Russian presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov said Saturday he's leaving business to focus full-time on politics, returning to the political arena after remaining silent through a five-month Kremlin crackdown on the opposition. The 47-year-old Prokhorov, who is believed to be worth about $13 billion, finished third in Russia's presidential election in March amid speculation that his candidacy was orchestrated by the Kremlin. Though he denied the claim, he was nowhere to be seen as the government launched a crackdown on the opposition this spring, arresting activists and introducing new harsh legislation. Prokhorov appeared Saturday at the first conference of the party he set up several months ago, announcing that he would put his money in a trust fund and let his partners at the investment vehicle Onexim run the shop. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

For Prokhorov, who ran for the Russian presidency this spring, this is a chance to see a cultural exchange between two countries that sometimes don’t see eye-to-eye. “For me, it’s very sad to see the U.S. relationship [with Russia] is getting worse and worse all the time," Prokhorov said. "What is the reason? Because we have a lack of cultural, business and, before, sports. We have a lot in common … we’re countries with big territory, multi-national, and a very good level of culture. “We have a big Russian diaspora here in the United States, but we still have a lack of business. Maybe that’s the biggest problem. When you have a lack of business and culture, politics is very vulnerable. I hope this cultural event will be a small drop in fulfilling this task … it’s very important.” New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia, United States 

Mark Cuban hasn't been a happy camper this past summer and rightfully so. After losing out on Deron Williams when he decided to go back to the Nets instead of joining his hometown team, the Dallas Mavericks, Cuban took it to the Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov whenever he could. In what could be Cuban's most recent jab at the Russian billionaire, it seems as though the Mavs owner has bought the rights to the domain name of Nets.com. Across the middle of the page, the site has a message reading "Looking for the New Jersey Nets? Looking for the Brooklyn Nets? They're not here...but they SHOULD be! After all, there's just one team: The Nets!" complex.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Mark Cuban, Mikhail Prokhorov 

In the lower left corner, there's a picture of Mark Cuban sticking his tongue out. Wonder who that's for? Under that image, you'll see a copyright symbol next to the name of David Yellen. A quick Google search will show you that Mr. Yellen has snapped many pics of Cuban in the past. But wait, that isn't the best part. On the bottom of the page, there is a message in Russian, which was probably meant for Prokhorov, and it reads, more or less: "Michael, have you noticed? Vilena wondered..." complex.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Mark Cuban, Mikhail Prokhorov 

The veteran guard said Monday he plans on assuming the role of a player/coach this season, with hopes of establishing a career on the bench under the familiar tutelage of Avery Johnson. It’s no wonder the Nets didn’t hire another assistant coach. “I never thought I’d want to coach, but now I kind of want to transition into that, kind of learning from (Johnson),” Stackhouse said. “I know he’ll allow me to assume some of the responsibilities this year. I think a lot of coaches would be threatened by that, but he’s comfortable enough to let me earn my way while I’m playing. “It’s kind of an ideal situation for me. Hopefully I can grow with this group past my actual playing days. Stackhouse, who’ll turn 38 in March, signed a one-year deal this summer with the Nets, his eighth team in an 18-year career. He played under Johnson for four years in Dallas, and plotted on a reunion after Johnson was hired by Mikhail Prokhorov. New York Daily News

Brooklyn Nets, Avery Johnson, Coaching, Mikhail Prokhorov, Jerry Stackhouse 

Then, as Jay-Z was wrapping up, his Nets cap and Nets jersey matching the thousands in the audience wearing Nets black-and-white, the self-described "purist" messaged us, "I'm starting to understand how big this is." Opening Night with Jay-Z won't be the same as Opening Night with D-Will a month from now. Executives who work for both the team and the arena tell us that the requests for November 1 far outnumber those for September 28. There is no secondary market. Still, It's hard to imagine there's another level of excitement yet to be found in our house. It was a great moment. The night started with the receptions at the Calvin Klein Lounge, the 40-40 Club, presumably Mikhail Prokhorov's supersuite and elsewhere. We were hovering (HOVA-ing?) between Klein and 40-40, spending most of our time at the "Klein" which is spacious with clean lines and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall at one end where the players will run by as they enter and leave the court. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z, Mikhail Prokhorov 

We saw no starters, nor MarShon Brooks. They no doubt were elsewhere. Deron Williams, accompanied by "my love," was in his family suite, purchased after he signed his deal. Talk about your givebacks! Avery Johnson with family in tow moved around, offering "great to be here, Hello Brooklyn" to all within range. He gave Childress, the first player to arrive, a hug and a big (is their any other kind?) Avery smile. Milton Lee was with his college pal Charlier and musician John Forte. Once inside, there were other celebrities, large and small, to ogle. Prokhorov in his seat, MSNBC host Toure' in our row. The concert started late (duh) but it was as anticipated, as advertised, historic. It opened with black and white historic photos flashed on the concert stage screen with the intensity and frequency picking up as it moved through the years, ending with 2012 and the arrival of the Brooklyn Nets. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Avery Johnson, Jay-Z, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Marshon Brooks 

From the crack of the bat to the dribble of the ball, this has been 55 painstaking and controversial years in the making, the last 10 devoted to moving the Nets to Brooklyn. But it's here, at Flatbush and Atlantic avenues, with a major subway hub to drop off thousands of fans at Barclays Center. "Not everyone, in their lifetime, gets to witness a project that changes the face and the destiny of the city," Nets owner and Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov told news reporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday. "Maybe those who were at the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, they could say it. We saw a symbol being born, and I do believe that we're all the lucky witnesses to such an event, because Barclays Center arena is so much more than just a building. "It will be the place where everything is happening and everyone is welcome. If you are from Brooklyn or Manhattan, from Miami or Moscow, Barclays Center will be the heart of Brooklyn." USA Today

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

The Nets have a constant presence in the area near the arena. Lamppost signs read "September is just the beginning," and ads in the subway introduce Nets players to the public. One sign with forward Gerald Wallace's picture reads: "Hello Brooklyn, I'm #45, Gerald Wallace, All-NBA defender and offseason fisherman." The Nets are expected to be a hot ticket, and so much curiosity surrounds the franchise that NBA TV's behind-the-scenes show The Association will follow the team from preseason to finish. USA Today

Brooklyn Nets, Gerald Wallace, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Do you and Jay-Z, who's a minority owner of the Nets, have anything in common? Mikhail Prokhorov: I think so. First of all, my family was never rich. We never had a car or a country house, though we were solidly middle-class by Soviet standards. But what Jay-Z and I share is that we're both self-made. We both achieved a certain level of success, thanks to our own talent and hard work. We definitely have that bond. details.com

Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z, Mikhail Prokhorov 

You rapped on Russian television earlier this year, and there's been talk that you and Jay-Z plan to rap together at the opening of the Barclays Center. Are you a hip-hop fan? Mikhail Prokhorov: I respect rap greatly but don't consider myself a fan. Regarding my performance on Russian TV, it was a complete surprise when I was asked to rap. But if I set my mind to something, I always achieve great heights. So I don't think it would be fair if I offered to rap with Jay—I could cause irreparable damage to his professional career. details.com

Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z, Mikhail Prokhorov 

DETAILS: What kind of music do you like? Mikhail Prokhorov: Every year, I travel to Ibiza, and I go to nightclubs occasionally, and there I like house and techno. I grew up on the music of the seventies and eighties and even going back to the sixties—the Beatles, mainly. I also like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. details.com

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

DETAILS: Do you think Putin should have been allowed to return to the Kremlin? He could be there another 12 years—that's a long time. Mikhail Prokhorov: I proposed limiting the presidency to two four-year terms without the possibility of running again. If you ask me, yes, it's a long time. DETAILS: If you are ever elected president, will there be a First Lady? Mikhail Prokhorov: Of course. Her name is Russia. details.com

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia 

DETAILS: Not at all. What do you look for in a woman? Mikhail Prokhorov: First of all, I'm not really considered the most eligible bachelor anymore, because everyone has already given up hope that I might ever get married. Regarding the most important trait in a woman, I would answer with the words of Oscar Wilde: "Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood." details.com

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Prokhorov told Evgeny Popov of Rossiya 1: "When Russian business goes abroad and is successful, it is a powerful business card for our country. I am very proud that I represent in the NBA Russia. Can you imagine what a sensation it will be when first foreigner to own an NBA team wins the championship! " NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

“I think every NBA team needs to establish a strong sense of identity based on where it is located, who the players are and what the fans relate to,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said. “In terms of the Knicks, honestly I just think it’s great for everyone that a real rivalry is being born, most of all for the fans. “We’re ready to fight for the heart of every one of them.” New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Russian basketballers will soon be defending the colors of the Brooklyn Nets, owner Mikhail Prokhorov said after the opening ceremony of his team’s new arena – the Barclays Center. “I’m thinking about recruiting Russian players to our lineup in the nearest future,” Prokhorov told ITAR-TASS news agency. “I really want this to happen.” RT

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Tim Bontemps: Prokhorov, when asked if James Dolan would come to the opener: "I have sent him an invitation already. I'm still waiting for the answer." Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Mikhail Prokhorov, James Dolan 

Tim Bontemps: Prokhorov on if he will go to more than one of Jay-Z's concerts: "No, no. One is enough for me. Maybe, if I was 18, I'd stay for more." Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, Jay-Z, Mikhail Prokhorov 

After seeing his team’s roster dramatically overhauled this offseason ahead of the Nets beginning play in Brooklyn this fall, Prokhorov is standing behind that prediction. “For me, there’s only one place: number one,” Prokhorov said Friday inside his team’s brand-new home, Barclays Center, in Brooklyn. “And I do my best to reach the championship. “We’re moving on ... slowly, slowly, step by step. It’s easy to make a strong team, but it’s very difficult to make a championship team. So we’re on the right way. And still, I’m expecting our championship within three years.” New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov