Former Nets coach Lawrence Frank said the Knicks showed rare “courage” in gutting the team to plan for 2010’s free agency in trying to hit a home run.
“Donnie (Walsh) and Mike (D’Antoni) deserve a great deal of credit because this process has been long overdue,” Frank told The Post. “Having such a bloated payroll, someone had to come in and undo it. Donnie had enough courage to do what needed to be done. They could’ve easily been a playoff team the past two years. They traded Zach (Randolph), a 20-and-10 guy and Jamal Crawford, Sixth Man of the Year, but they had a bigger picture in mind.”
Frank will join NBATV Friday for a special post-Draft analysis show. Frank interviewed for the Bulls job and has told confidants he’d be amenable getting back next season as an assistant.
Frank is friendly with Mike D’Antoni, who has bristled at media suggestions he add another defensive-minded coach. But some close to D’Antoni could see himself considering Frank as an asset because of his tireless work ethic and unpolitical nature. A local product, Frank still lives in Bergen County.
“Regardless if they get LeBron (James) or not, they’re going to get quality players and will be a significantly improved team,” Frank said. “They say you can’t rebuild in New York because of expectations. But the Knicks are going to be a much-improved product. They were deserve a great deal of credit and the Knicks are important to the tradition of the game. Both the Knicks and Nets have a lot to sell this summer.”