Frank came from a good pedigree, he was a NBA former head coach himself, and he was replacing Tom Thibodeau, who had just moved onto a tremendous opportunity leading the Chicago Bulls. There was uncertainty galore surrounding Doc's future in Boston, and Frank had "potential successor" written all over him.
Now times have changed. Doc isn't going anywhere anytime soon after signing a five-year, $35 million extension. Frank is still the No. 2 guy in Boston but is still very much capable of being a head coach in this league again.
He deserves that opportunity, even if it's not in Boston.
And he might get it, too. According to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen, Frank is one of three finalists in the race to take over for the departed Rick Adelman in Houston. Dallas assistant Dwane Casey and former Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale are the other two.
Frank's the best man for the job. He's not a glamorous choice — in fact, some NBA fans have probably forgotten he exists — but he deserves another crack at a head coaching job.
Doc and the C's will be alright if Frank leaves. In fact, Doc's likely rooting for him to walk away. He loves to see his guys move up in the world, even if it means abandoning their work in Boston. He was happy for Thibodeau, and he'd be ecstatic just the same to see Frank leave him for the Lone Star State.
The NBA is a league of coaching trees. Leaders learn from other leaders. Doc worked for some of the game's best coaches back in his playing days — Pat Riley, Larry Brown, Mike Fratello. Now as a coach, he's mentoring some of the next generation's up-and-comers — Thibodeau, Frank, Monty Williams.
The Celtics may very well lose another great assistant coach this summer. But if they do, it's all for the best. Lawrence Frank deserves to move on to bigger and better things.
What do you think of Lawrence Frank potentially leaving the Celtics? Share your thoughts below
