As Nets’ Sale Proceeds, Brooklyn Gets Excited

The owners of the New Jersey Nets approved the team’s sale to a Brooklyn developer intent on moving it across the Hudson River -- a move immediately hailed in New York for returning big-time sports to the borough.

Duke Snider, meet Jason Kidd.

“It’s taken 47 years, but today we can finally say we’ve corrected the great mistake of ‘57,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, referring to the Dodgers’ defection to California.

New owner Bruce Ratner was joined at a gala news conference by an assortment of politicians, Brooklyn-born ex-Knick star Bernard King and rapper Jay-Z, a fellow investor. At King’s invitation, all donned “Brooklyn Nets” jerseys.

“It’s a great day for all of us,” said Ratner in his first public comments since the sale was announced Wednesday. “It’s a great day for Brooklyn.”

Ratner spoke shortly after the Nets’ former owners, YankeeNets, voted in a teleconference to approve the deal. The rest of the NBA owners must approve the deal as well.

Lurking behind the celebration were threats from neighborhood groups regarding the construction of the proposed arena. Ratner estimates about 150 homes would be affected, although neighbors fear the number will be closer to 1,000.

Work on the arena would begin next year and finish in time for the 2006 NBA season, leaving the lame-duck Nets to play the next two seasons in New Jersey.

*

Vin Baker was suspended indefinitely by the Boston Celtics for failing to comply with his aftercare program.

The suspension took effect immediately, and Baker missed the Celtics’ game against the Washington Wizards.

It’s the second time this season that Baker, who struggled with alcoholism last spring, has been suspended by the team for failing to comply with his recovery program. On Jan. 7, he was suspended for three games.

The team said it was notified of the violation by a doctor jointly selected by Baker and the team to oversee his aftercare. The Celtics did not specify the nature of the violation.

Baker practiced with the team Thursday, but he had not gotten off the bench in three of five games since returning from his first suspension.

*

LeBron James probably will sit out his third consecutive game because of a sprained ankle.

The Cleveland Cavaliers said their star rookie was at Friday’s practice but did not take part in running drills. The Cavaliers play the Philadelphia 76ers tonight.

James has been out since injuring his ankle Jan. 17 at Utah.