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Mikhail Prokhorov Gives ‘Inside the NBA’ Crew Russian Hats, Leading Shaquille O’Neal to Speak in Russian (Video)

Mikhail Prokhorov has a good team down there in Brooklyn. The crew from TNT’s Inside the NBA couldn’t make it to opening night at the Barclays Center to see the team in person, though, so the Nets owner sent them a gift of goodwill in hopes that they will come soon.

In a show of true Russian hospitality, Prokhorov sent Eddie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal some Russian hats to cover their “bald heads.” Naturally, Shaq had some fun with the segment by proclaiming that his Russian name is “Vladamir Mandingo” and wishing all of his Russian viewers “spasibo,” which translates to “thank you.”

Perhaps the best moment of this video is the Russian oligarch’s “Go Nets!” statement and the complete lack of emotion in his face. He did look to be picking up some basketball tendencies, however, spinning the hat on his hand throughout the video like it was a basketball on his finger.

Check out Prokhorov’s gift and Shaq’s ridiculous Russian moment in the video below.