Nets CEO Rod Thorn calls it “due diligence.” But average observers should call it common-sense insurance against the prospects of an extended absence by Jason Kidd. So the Nets intend to work out nine-season veteran point guard Travis Best today or tomorrow.

And on another Nets front, the team seems to be moving closer to signing coach Lawrence Frank to a two-year extension.

“We’re just trying to do our due diligence, checking around on the players still available,” Thorn said of the interest in Best, who turned 32 in July. “So we’re going to check him out.”

Thorn said signing the 5-11, 180-pound Best was not imminent. But there is obvious interest in Best, who carries career averages of 7.7 points and 3.6 assists. He spent 6½ seasons with the Pacers before moving to the Bulls as part of the Ron Artest trade. He then did one season in Miami before last season’s tour with Dallas, where he averaged 12.5 minutes behind Steve Nash.

Best would fortify the Nets at point guard because Kidd is expected to be out after left knee surgery until December. Currently, the Nets’ have free-agent pickup Jacque Vaughn and second-year man Zoran Planinic at point behind Kidd.

Additionally, the Nets have discussed, but are not moving toward signing, Bulls free-agent forward Marcus Fizer, who is still rehabbing a knee injury. Sorely in need of rebounding with Kenyon Martin gone, the Nets may consider Fizer eventually, but he doesn’t seem perched on their immediate horizon because of the knee.

Earlier this summer, the Nets picked up a one-year option on Frank, who took over the reins when Byron Scott was fired last December. Frank established a pro record for North American sports by winning his first 13 games. With ownership matters throwing the team is disarray – and costing them Martin and Kerry Kittles in the process – Frank’s extension was put on the backburner. But talks have revived and the Nets appear headed toward presenting him with an additional two years.