The New Jersey Nets have named Billy King as the team?s new general manager, Nets Principal Owner Mikhail Prokhorov announced today.  King succeeds Rod Thorn, who is stepping down as the team?s president after 10 years at the helm.  As per club policy, terms of King?s contract were not released.

?I am very pleased Billy King is coming on board as Nets President,? said Prokhorov.  ?He has all of the qualities we've been looking for in a candidate:  professionalism, good relations with the league, players and agents, and strong communications skills.  He will be an excellent fit with Head Coach Avery Johnson. Most importantly, Billy is ambitious.  He wants to win.  This is what I felt when I met with him and why he will be a strong addition to the Nets organization."

"I am very excited about joining the Nets organization," said King. "I want to thank Mr. Prokhorov and his executive team for the opportunity to oversee a franchise that has such a vibrant owner, an outstanding coach in Avery Johnson, and possesses the combination of young talent, cap space and draft choices that will allow us to build a squad that will be able to contend for an NBA title."