With Vince Carter slumping, fired Nets coach Lawrence Frank shows up at practice

Carter slumping, ex-Nets coach at Magic practice

ORLANDO, Fla. — Vince Carter will be seeing a familiar face at the Orlando Magic’s practices this week who may help with his shooting slump.

Former New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank was sitting in the bleachers at the Magic’s shootaround Tuesday. Frank coached Carter the last five years until the shooting guard was traded to the Magic this offseason. The Nets fired Frank in November after an 0-16 start.

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy insisted Frank was invited months ago as a friend and his appearance has nothing to do with Carter’s slump. But the timing might indicate otherwise.

Carter has been nursing an injured left shoulder. He scored a season-low two points in a win at Detroit on Sunday, and his struggles have pushed him to the bench late in games.