Rod Thorn, the mastermind behind the two revivals in New Jersey who appeared set to orchestrate a third, is stepping down and retiring from his post as Nets president on July 15, multiple sources confirmed last night.
“This has nothing to do with [owner Mikhail] Prokhorov or salary or contract,” said a source close to Thorn. “This is Rod’s decision.”
Another source said, “Rod could return if he wants to.”
Earlier yesterday Thorn, who also has been serving as the team’s general manager for the past few months, gave a rather cryptic answer on the subject of retirement.
“I’m still here and I’ll be here for a time,” Thorn said. “It’s not about me. It was about the draft yesterday. Now it’s about free agency.”
Then last night, as reports swirled that Thorn was leaving, he said he did not want to comment.
“I don’t want to make any comment at this time,” said Thorn, who is expected to guide the team through the upcoming free-agency period.
Thorn, 69, has suffered through an incredibly draining year emotionally. The roster again was disassembled and the Nets suffered through a historically bad season at 12-70, the worst record in team history. Thorn also grieved the loss of both of his parents. The team went through its ownership change and Thorn had to wonder where he fit in with the new management scheme.
But he received the endorsement and backing of Prokhorov, who expressed his utmost confidence in Thorn following the approval of the team’s sale by the league’s Board of Governors. Prokhorov again voiced his support for Thorn at the NBA Finals in Boston.
“Rod Thorn is our president and I trust him,” Prokhorov said. “It is Rod’s job. He has permission to sign all deals.”
The major question, of course: How will the impending loss of Thorn affect the Nets’ ambitions in free agency? With Thorn — and with Prokhorov’s money — they were seen as leading players in the market. They still are expected to be extremely active, with or out without Thorn. It would not be a surprise to see him stick around to shepherd the team through free agency.
New coach Avery Johnson said Thorn was a reason he longed for the Nets’ job. There is no obvious successor in the organization.
Thorn’s contract, which pays him $5 million annually, is set to expire Wednesday. He has not signed a new deal — a two-year contract believed to represent a pay cut. A source close to the former West Virginia All-American said money was not behind his departure.