Frank Isola Commentary

In the end, LeBron just can't take the Heat »
By Frank Isola
New York Daily News

We begin the day by thanking Patrick Ewing, a real franchise player and warrior who left it on the court every time he wore a Knicks uniform.

Was he perfect? No. When I see him I still tell him he has the worst hands of any all-time great player. Was he easy to cover as a reporter? Not all the time. He could be a pain in the rear but he was always honest and he always accepted responsibility for his and the team's performance.

Think about that today as we struggle to deal with LeBron James' decision to leave Cleveland in his rear view mirror and head to Miami to play the role of Scottie Pippen to Dwyane Wade's Michael Jordan.

It's clear now that LeBron had no intentions of signing with the Knicks regardless of how many times he wore a Yankees cap in public. New York would have meant pressure. Staying in Cleveland would have meant pressure and as we know LeBron, unlike Ewing, cannot handle the pressure.

I was in Cleveland the night of Game 5 against Boston when LeBron had perhaps the most disappointing performance of his career. His reaction afterwards was even more disappointing. He sounded surprised and upset that the media would question why he didn't play well. LeBron reasoned that he's only had four bad games in his entire career and that he's spoiled his fans. Give me a break.

He should have said: "This one is on me. I didn't have it tonight and I can't tell you how disappointed I am." But then by making that admission, James would be placing the blame on himself. Or as one rival head coach said today: "He craves attention but deflects responsibility."

And that is why Miami is the perfect place for him. The Heat is the third most popular team in the city behind the Dolphins and University of Miami football. More importantly, if the "Dream Team" as LeBron calls it falls short there will be plenty of blame to go around starting with Pat Riley, Wade and LeBron.

What we "Witnessed" on Thursday was an immature 25-year-old who deep down knows that he is a follower. Think about it: the kid didn't even have the decency to look Cavs owner Dan Gilbert in the eye to tell him he's leaving. Instead, LeBron wouldn't even return phone calls.

I never wanted LeCon in New York. I always felt he should have stayed in Cleveland and that the Knicks should have been committed to building a team that would beat James.

If you're a Knicks fan, it will be easy to root for Amar'e Stoudemire, who did go to the highest bidder but at least he wants to represent the team. Donnie Walsh made a great trade with the Warriors and Anthony Randolph has the chance to be a star.

Toney Douglas has Charlie Ward-like toughness and one of the best moments of last season was when Danilo Gallinari told Kevin Garnett to buzz off just before stroking 3-pointer after 3-pointer in KG's face. Walsh is building a team that is tough both mentally and physically.

These are the kind of guys you want on your team. These are the kind of guys you should be pulling for. LeBron is a front runner, plain and simple. Have fun in Miami.

You never had it in you to become a true Knick. And you're no Patrick Ewing, that's for sure.