Posey Heading to the Hornets on Big-Dollar Deal
It's a sad day in Celtics Nation, but most of us seemed to know that this bit of news was a long time coming: James Posey has reportedly signed a 4-year, $25 million contract with the New Orleans Hornets. Apparently, the deciding factor for Posey was the inclusion of a fourth year; Boston had reportedly stood fast at 3 years and upwards of $5.5 million (the full value of the mid-level exception) per season.
Posey's contributions to the 2007-08 NBA Champion Boston Celtics cannot be lauded enough. While he averaged just 7.4 points, 1.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game during the regular season, Po-Z provided a plethora of intangibles that show why he's won two titles with two different teams in three years. He played smothering defense all season long and hit big, late-game shots from beyond the arc almost at will. He sparked rallies off the bench and helped keep Paul Pierce fresh throughout the year. Perhaps most importantly, he added a veteran presence with playoff experience that helped an unfamiliar cast mesh from the get-go. I think the only thing about Posey that I won't miss is that ridiculous "Po-Z" tattoo he has on his left arm, but even that I could put up with had he decided to return.
The loss of Posey is a big blow not only because of the veteran leadership and timely contributions he provided, but also due to the fact that his departure leaves the Celts without that all-important sixth man. While awaiting a Posey decision, the Celts missed out on courting the highly-coveted Corey Maggette (although Maggette commanded far more money than Posey, signing a 5-year, $50 million deal), who would have arguably been an upgrade over Posey from an offensive standpoint. In spite of the fact that some fans seem to be throwing in the towel on the 2008-09 season due to Posey's change of location (see comment "Damn Damn Damn...hear [sic] we go. (Do the 2 words "Miami Heat" ring a bell?)), the Celts are far from out of options in terms of what they can do with their mid-level exception. Re-signing Eddie House and Tony Allen probably just got pushed further up the priorities list, and free agents Josh Childress and Matt Barnes (and maybe even former Celt Ryan Gomes) are no doubt on the Celts' radar. Hell, even Josh Smith could presumably be an option for the Celts at this point...
It's tough to watch Posey bolt after just one year; had he stuck around and won a few more titles before calling it a career, he likely would have been elevated to semi-legendary status around these parts. It's hard to be that upset with his decision, however, as he's joining an excellent young team and getting more money and years than the Celts were offering. He's certainly earned it.
Posey's contributions to the 2007-08 NBA Champion Boston Celtics cannot be lauded enough. While he averaged just 7.4 points, 1.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game during the regular season, Po-Z provided a plethora of intangibles that show why he's won two titles with two different teams in three years. He played smothering defense all season long and hit big, late-game shots from beyond the arc almost at will. He sparked rallies off the bench and helped keep Paul Pierce fresh throughout the year. Perhaps most importantly, he added a veteran presence with playoff experience that helped an unfamiliar cast mesh from the get-go. I think the only thing about Posey that I won't miss is that ridiculous "Po-Z" tattoo he has on his left arm, but even that I could put up with had he decided to return.
The loss of Posey is a big blow not only because of the veteran leadership and timely contributions he provided, but also due to the fact that his departure leaves the Celts without that all-important sixth man. While awaiting a Posey decision, the Celts missed out on courting the highly-coveted Corey Maggette (although Maggette commanded far more money than Posey, signing a 5-year, $50 million deal), who would have arguably been an upgrade over Posey from an offensive standpoint. In spite of the fact that some fans seem to be throwing in the towel on the 2008-09 season due to Posey's change of location (see comment "Damn Damn Damn...hear [sic] we go. (Do the 2 words "Miami Heat" ring a bell?)), the Celts are far from out of options in terms of what they can do with their mid-level exception. Re-signing Eddie House and Tony Allen probably just got pushed further up the priorities list, and free agents Josh Childress and Matt Barnes (and maybe even former Celt Ryan Gomes) are no doubt on the Celts' radar. Hell, even Josh Smith could presumably be an option for the Celts at this point...
It's tough to watch Posey bolt after just one year; had he stuck around and won a few more titles before calling it a career, he likely would have been elevated to semi-legendary status around these parts. It's hard to be that upset with his decision, however, as he's joining an excellent young team and getting more money and years than the Celts were offering. He's certainly earned it.
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