Brooklyn Nets: NBA Title First, Then We'll Talk Hockey Says Prokhorov

Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has been known to make bold statements and ruffle feathers. It's just part of his personality, and it makes him a perfect fit for the NBA's venture into Brooklyn.

Prokhorov recently made news when he promised fans an NBA Championship in the Barclays Center by 2015. And now he's doubling down on that timetable, while also addressing rumors he plans to bring hockey to the the borough.

"First I need to have a championship, so after this I can think—but not before," Prokhorov told the New York Post's Rich Calder on Thursday at the ceremonial opening of the arena.

Various media outlets have recently reported that officials at the Barclay's Center have been interested in bringing a second sports franchise to Brooklyn.

Attention has focused on the New York Islanders, who currently play in the outdated and run-down Nassau Coliseum and whose lease expires in 2015.

The Russian billionaire, however, doesn't have complete say on the subject. He only owns a 45 percent share of the new arena and would defer to developer Bruce Ratner.

"If [Ratner] wants to, it’s great, but it is better for him to make the decision," Prokhorov told the Post.

The Islanders currently have an October 2nd preseason game scheduled at the new area against the New Jersey Devils. But that is likely to be cancelled, as the NHL is locked out and all September games have already been cancelled.