George Gervin has no regrets playing in a small market his entire Hall of Fame career, in San Antonio. The Ice Man’s only regret is he never won a championship — in the NBA or ABA.
Gervin said LeBron James should think about rings as he makes his decision in July on which city to marry.
Bright, big rings — not bright lights and big cities.
Gervin, a nine-time NBA All-Star, two-time ABA All-Star and voted one of the 50 Greatest Players of All-Time, believes getting Cleveland over the top is the safer bet rather than trying to resuscitate the Knicks.
“He’s a smart kid, I really like his intelligence, and he’ll make the right decision that fits him personally,” Gervin told The Post. “And I hope he stays in Cleveland, personally. All that glitters ain’t gold. You may see all that stuff glittering with these opportunities. But we call that fake gold.”
Gervin, who’s promoting a finger-roll figurine doll that raises funds for his youth center in San Antonio, said the Cavaliers aren’t “far away” from a title.
“He’ll make more than $100 million dollars, I don’t think money is an issue,” Gervin said. “If he’s looking for more fame off the court, New York or New Jersey will make him more revenue off the court. Or does he want to win a championship? I think Cleveland would be the best place to win a championship.”
Gervin marvels at James’ place in the sport despite being ringless and refused to compare him to the well-decorated Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.
“It’s a helluva situation to be in,” Gervin said. “He’s got the whole NBA, the whole word waiting on his decision. That’s pretty big.”
The Cavaliers, eliminated in the second round by Boston, needs at least one important piece, but the Knicks and Nets needs a lot more than that, according to Gervin.
“I like him staying in Cleveland, having an opportunity to win a championship,” Gervin said. “If you’re going to New Jersey, what are they putting around him? They’re the bottom of the barrel. And the Knicks? They’re missing a point guard for one thing.”
Having James in New York would create an aura. “New York needs a more productive team, they’ve struggled and that fan base has stuck with them because New York fans are some of the best fans in basketball,” Gervin said. “It would bring a lot of excitement to New York, but they’d still have to win.”
Gervin, the Spurs’ director of community relations, saw his club sweep Cleveland in James’ lone Finals appearance in 2007. The Ice Man knows all too well about not being able to win a title alone.
“I still feel they’ve been missing a piece or so,” said Gervin, “I’m not surprised they’re not in The Finals. King James is King James but he can’t do it himself. We look at the Lakers and they added Pao Gasol, who fits that game plan perfectly. Cleveland needs to get a better point guard and LeBron will take it to another level.”
“Winning 60 games when you have a guy like LeBron is not surprising because there are so many teams that aren’t good. But the second season is the key and you have to get a game plan, make adjustments. It’s a different season.”