To Celtics, Frank the perfect fit

The Nets were on their way to a 34-48 record, but when they came to TD Garden Jan. 14, 2009, Rivers couldn’t keep from heaping praise on Frank.

“If you had a vote for coach of the year,’’ he said, “he’s got to be in the conversation.’’

Paul Pierce then went out and dropped 22 points, Kevin Garnett scored 20, Rajon Rondo nearly put up a triple-double, and the Celtics thumped the Nets, 118-86.

So much for compliments.

“I think he likes me because he always beat me,’’ Frank said. “He tried to get me on the schedule two more times.’’

For Rivers, it was always a no-brainer that Frank would be great to work with. He was on the bench as Byron Scott’s assistant for four seasons, then took over when Scott was fired during the 2003-04 season. Rivers invited Frank to Waltham to watch a practice last season and get a feel for what the team does. When it came time to fill the spot of Tom Thibodeau, who left to become head coach of the Bulls, Frank was the perfect fit.

“I’ve known him since I’ve been in the NBA,’’ Frank said. “We’ve always had mutual respect for each other. And I’m thankful for the opportunity to join this franchise.’’

Last year, when Frank was fired by the Nets after starting the season 0-16, Rivers empathized because he suffered a similar fate in Orlando, getting the ax from the Magic in 2003-04 after starting the year 1-10.

“You can only be as good as what you’ve got on the floor,’’ Rivers said. “And they were obviously in transition, unfortunately for him. When he had the guys he showed what he can do.’’

Now, Frank is on a team filled with “guys.’’ A year ago he was teaching and developing a team trying to rebuild. Now he’s a part of a championship-driven squad featuring seven former All-Stars and four likely Hall of Famers.

“He’s finally got the team that he wanted,’’ said Shaquille O’Neal, whose Lakers beat Frank’s Nets in the 2002 Finals. “Coaches can be great, but if you don’t have the greatness with you, you can’t really show what you can do. He had some great runs in Jersey, but the talent factor wasn’t really there. Now he’s with us. It’s just some more knowledge, some more help for Doc.’’