Isiah: LeBron should have signed with Knicks

Former Knicks president Isiah Thomas, who attended last night's James Blake match at the U.S. Open, said he was disappointed LeBron James did not join the Knicks and feels the NBA would have been better for it.

Thomas was rehired as a Knicks consultant in August before the NBA objected to the conflict of interest because he was still going to coach Florida International.

"I think -- and I honestly believe this -- it would've been interesting to see if he could have [won a title with the Knicks]," Thomas said outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. "The curiosity factor, the whole world would've been drawn to watch and see if he could do it. The whole LeBron Knick thing would've piqued everyone's curiosity.

"We wanted him to come to New York, but I think he'll do well in Miami. They got a great team. I think everybody will be watching to see if they can put it together and win."

Knicks owner James Dolan released a statement after the Thomas move fell apart, saying Thomas was "a good friend," and he'd always have "strong ties to the team" and still be consulted. It has led to speculation Thomas, who made a last-ditch effort to meet with someone in James' inner circle the day before "The Decision," will eventually run the Knicks -- a prospect that has horrified many of the teams' fans.

"The statement speaks for itself," Thomas said. "I always have great friends in the organization and I root for the Knicks and want them to do well."

Thomas said he understood the NBA's concern.

"The way the bylaws are written, it's pretty clear," Thomas said. "So we just move [on] and you still root."

In a conversation with The Post and another reporter, his first comments to the media since the NBA rejected the Knicks hire, Thomas added Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan were wrong to condemn LeBron for joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"I strongly disagree with their comments," Thomas said. "[Magic] had a great team. They said they wouldn't have left but look who they were playing with. Those teams were stacked."

Thomas was with his wife Lynn, an avid tennis player and big fan of Blake, who lost last night in straight sets to Novak Djokovic. Lynn said she and Isiah attend the Open every year. They still have a home in Purchase.

Several fans approached Thomas outside the stadium, wishing him well, with one saying, "We miss you."

Thomas also spent time meeting with baseball legend Frank Robinson.

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