EAST RUTHERFORD - Lawrence Frank stood on a podium early Thursday morning wearing a charcoal suit, white shirt and a gold and brown tie. He was the guest of honor at the Nets' announcement of his four- year contract extension as head coach.

Less than two hours later, Frank was wearing sweats on that same court, with the podium long gone. He was putting his team through practice as they all tried to come up with some answers after the worst opening-game loss in franchise history.