Bad news for Celtic fans. Danny Ainge pretty much sums up the situation:
"We liked James and we wanted him back," said Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. "He got a good deal in New Orleans. We were unwilling to go four years. We have to manage the business and manage the future and the present. We offered James Posey the most over the next two years than any other team, but fourth-year security was very important to him. We didn't feel it was in our best interest as a franchise to do that. We wish him well. He was part of a championship team. We did what we could to bring him back."
Posey will probably fill a similar role for the Hornets, serving as their 6th man. Their starting lineup of Chris Paul, Mo Peterson, Peja Stojakovic, David West, and Tyson Chandler is one of the best in the NBA.
People always talk about Posey's defense, but his 3-point shooting was a huge key for the Celtics. Few Celtic fans will forget his shooting against the Lakers in game 4 -- 4 of 8 from 3-point land, 18 pts in 25 minutes.
Btw, this picture of Posey was taken by yours truly during game 1 of the NBA Finals. He often received the toughest defensive assignments (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James); after Kevin Garnett (who will go down as one of the best defensive players in NBA history), Posey was the Celts' next best defender.
To say that this is a huge blow to the Celtics would be an understatement. Tony Allen, should the Celtics decide to bring him back, is a decent defensive player. But he's no Posey, particularly on the offensive end where he won't hit timely 3s for you.
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