Tim Farrell/The Star-LedgerFormer New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank was added Thursday to Doc Rivers' staff with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics.
How’s this for being upwardly mobile:

Lawrence Frank, who was last seen heading for the unemployment line last December after the Nets started 0-16, has agreed to be the assistant coach on a team that came within one victory of the 2010 NBA title.

The former Nets coach has agreed to assist Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics for just one season, essentially filling the role vacated by Tom Thibodeau, who left Rivers’ staff to take the Chicago Bulls job.

“I think it’s a good situation for me – I wanted to get back and coach, and I didn’t want to sit and wait, and you can’t ask for a better situation or a better organization,” Frank said.

But just how good is the timing, considering that most believe the Celtics’ days of title contention might be over -- particularly with advent of the Miami resurgence?

“No, the window is definitely still open,” Frank said. “This team showed its commitment by re-signing Paul (Pierce), Kevin Garnett got stronger as the season went on last year, Ray Allen obviously has plenty left in the tank, and Rajon Rondo is an emerging superstar. Now we just need (Kendrick) Perkins to get healthy.

“But the window is still very much open. And when you get to a Game 7 of the Finals and lose, believe me, they’re going to be very motivated to get back there.”

The deal is for just one season, because that’s how long Rivers himself has left on his contract. Frank would not confirm that he was considering other invitations, though Nets officials believe he declined an identical deal with Jim O’Brien in Indiana.

Frank said he was realistic, however, that a head coaching position might not be available this summer, so the Teaneck native took what he believed was the next best thing.

“At some point, I’d like an opportunity to be head coach again, but having done it I have a greater appreciation for the things assistants do,” he said. “You know, the things that make it easier for the head guy. So that experience with the Nets will make me a better assistant.

“And it’s a great opportunity to work wth Doc – I’ve always had the highest respect for him, and I’m flattered he contacted me when Tom left. I’m really excited about this opportunity.”

Nalod wrote:Maybe it lands him the gig when Doc walks away.

community coach up there in boston for sure