Garden Crowd Shows LeBron James Their Best, Worst Sides

By JOSH ALPER

Updated 8:41 AM EST, Wed, Nov 26, 2008

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

Getty Images

If LeBron James needed a sign from the New York public that they wanted him to play for the Knicks, he should have seen the scene outside the Garden before Tuesday night's game. Nike was handing out bright red "Witness" t-shirts on Seventh Avenue, to match the new kicks James would sport on the court. The resulting frenzy from Knick fans to get their hands on one would have made passersby think the government was bailing out anyone who strolled by.

The love continued once the fans filled the arena. James was cheered lustily during introductions, he was cheered lustily when he threw talc in the air before the tip and the cheers only grew when he rejected a Chris Duhon shot with the ease normally associated with taking candy from a baby.

It's doubtful James needed much affirmation of New York City's desire to welcome him to town. It might have been nice, however, if the crowd made sure to let him know that they'll have his back if things go bad for a night or two. The only time the home team threatened to get King-size love was when Nate Robinson attempted to dunk on James on a fast break in the first quarter. He got only rrim, though, and later left with an injury which signaled the end of a competitive game.

That's when the crowd turned on the Knicks. With Robinson out, the Knicks skeletal roster was even less able to hang with a legitimate championship contender. Why anyone would have thought otherwise is a mystery, but, still, the boos rained down on the Knicks. It had the effect of picking on the fat kid in gym class. This wasn't the apathetic team of the Isiah era or the dysfunctional one that embarassed itself with Larry Brown, merely a not very good team playing not very good basketball.

It's silly to think that a few boos would influence James' decision. It isn't silly to think that he might decide two years from now that, with the money for the same, being Cleveland's hero is an easier ride than shouldering the burdens of a team with the recent history of the Knicks.