In the 'Zzone

Thorn: He's a Good Coach

Lawrence Frank got the call this morning from Rod Thorn. The team president told the coach he was coming back.

Thorn wanted Frank to know what he was going to tell the media.

Ultimately, Thorn said what made him stick with Frank was: "In my mind, he's a good coach."

Frank Stays

Team president Rod Thorn has made up his mind and as expected has decided Lawrence Frank will remain the Nets' head coach.

Thorn held a conference call with reporters today, one week after he said: "I just want to be sure in my mind." Apparently, Thorn is.

RT's Q&A

In case you haven't gotten enough of yesterday's sit down with Rod Thorn, here's some of the Q & A from his session with us.

This should A some of your Qs.

Thorn: The CliffsNotes Version

Rod Thorn spoke for about 30 minutes about a variety of topics this morning, but most pertained to Lawrence Frank.

As you know from the earlier blog, Thorn hasn't made a decision yet. He couldn't say when he would. It definitely will be before the May 19 Draft Lottery. It may be by the end of the day, the week or sometime next week.

Thorn sounds like a man who has a lot on his mind. Actually, Thorn didn't sound like himself. His voice was hoarse on a day when his coach's voice was the big question.

Frank In Limbo

No decision has been made yet on Lawrence Frank. Team president Rod Thorn met with the media today and said he's still weighing many things, which immediately raises red flags.

Thorn said not to read into it and that he just wants to make sure he does the right thing for the franchise - another red flag.

"We shall see," Thorn said when asked if Frank would return. "We're still in the process in evalutating our season and evaluating the different things we do."

Frank's Future

We're expected to know by tomorrow morning when Rod Thorn gives his end-of-the-season state of the Nets' address about the future of Lawrence Frank.

Thorn will meet tonight with senior management and owners about business and basketball, not just Frank. But Frank is the big topic, of course.

You already know how Bruce Ratner feels. There will be some in the room that are expected to be anti-Frank. Ultimately, the two people that will hold the most weight are Thorn and Ratner. They'll take input from everyone, but Ratner trusts Thorn's recommendation - as he should.

Unfinished Business: Notes and Quotes from Clean-Up Day

The theme of clean-up day was the Nets feel they're in a better position than they were last season and they hope this group stays together because this could be the start of something.

That's basically the theme every year, but this time you tend to believe it a little more.

We knew there was going to be a host of changes last year. They had three picks. Richard Jefferson wasn't coming back and there were losing players to free agency.

This time they have one draft pick and the chances of big-name player like Vince Carter or Devin Harris being dealt away aren't high.

Your Move, Rod

Bruce Ratner wasn't expecting to have a media session last night, but this probably was going to be the last time the Nets' beat guys would talk to him until either a new coach is hired - if one is - or a player is drafted or a free agent is signed.

So we talked to Ratner away from the court while the game was going on and listened to the Nets' principal owner speak glowingly speak glowingly of Lawrence Frank and the job he's done and put Rod Thorn in charge of making the call of whether he stays or goes.

Everyone automatically assumes now that Frank definitely will be back. Don't. It may be the case, but this is a huge decision and Thorn hasn't made it yet.

Ratner Endorses Frank

Bruce Ratner has some say in who the Nets' coach is next season and it sounds as if he wants Lawrence Frank back.

Speaking during the game, Ratner, the Nets' principal owner, gave a ringing endorsement to Frank.

"I think the coach has done a good job this year," Ratner said. "Obviously our record is not where we'd like it to be, but the coach has done a good job. I like the coach.

The Final Shoot

The Nets final home game could be the home finales for a number of people: the coach, the best player and on down the line.

Brook Lopez is the only untouchable. We can go down the line and who's back and who's not, but the two biggest question marks are Lawrence Frank and Vince Carter.