EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Lawrence Frank signed a multiyear
contract extension on Monday with the New Jersey Nets, who have
advanced to the playoffs each of the four seasons he has coached
the team.
New Jersey finished 41-41 last season, but lost in the second
round to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the eventual conference
champions. Frank, the NBA's youngest coach at age 36, has never
gotten the Nets beyond the second round.
"My concern has always been to live for the moment," Frank
said. "I just do my job and eventually I'll get evaluated
properly. I don't worry about things I can't control."
With the re-signing of All-Star guard Vince Carter, and
returning stars Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, Frank will have a
familiar nucleus for the upcoming season.
"Four days after the season was over, we had guys back in the
gym, getting ready," Frank said. "The drive is there. The
chemistry is there. We're not satisfied how we ended. We all want
more."
Frank has been head coach since midway through the 2003-04
season. His record of 157-129 (.549) makes him the franchise's
winningest coach. His playoff record is 18-20 (.474).
"Lawrence has done an outstanding job, and we feel confident
that he will continue to provide the leadership so invaluable to
the success of our team in the future," Nets president Rod Thorn
said.