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DECISION TIME FOR POSEY

By Ken Trahan

Monday, July 14 2008

With Jarvis Hayes and Eduardo Najera having reached agreements in principle to join the New Jersey Nets, the primary person of interest in the Hornets game of free agency appears to be James Posey. The Boston Globe reports today that Posey could have a decision today on where he will play in 2008-2009. While Posey would like to return to Boston, the Hornets have stepped up as the most aggressive competition for the world champion Celtics.   A league source tells Neworleans.com Sports and WGSO, 990 AM that Posey could end up in New Orleans as a result of his desire for a four-year deal, as opposed to the two-year deal the Celtics appear set on offering him. Boston has reportedly given Posey a two-year offer at the full mid-level exception of $5.5 million dollars but are reluctant to offer him beyond two years. The source says that this is a "major issue" for Posey and "likely a deal-breaker" for Boston keeping his services.    As Ed Daniels of WGNO-TV, WGSO, 990 AM and NewOrleans.com Sports and I have stated for weeks, New Orleans is not a desired free agent destination at this point in the franchise and that in order to attract free agents, New Orleans would have to ante up in greater fashion than the competition. Therein lies the real possibility of landing Posey.   Posey is seeking a four-year deal. The Hornets are seriously considering giving it to him. Of course the risk of a four-year deal is obvious. Posey is 31 years of age (he will turn 32 during the upcoming season). He is entering his 11th season in the league so there is a lot of tread off the tire here. Will he still be a productive player in three years?   While healthy, there is no doubt that he would be productive and would provide an upgrade in the short-term. With the world champion Celtics this past season, Posey averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 38 percent from three-point range, and 81 percent from the free throw line while averaging 24.6 minutes per game off of the bench for Boston. When comparing this to Posey's career numbers, there is real hope for continued productivity at the same level.   For his career, Posey has averaged 9.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 35 percent from three-point range, and 82 percent from the free throw line. Over the past two years, he has become fully accustomed to being a "role" player, a classic "sixth man." He has accepted, embraced, and excelled in the role.   The upside is obvious. Posey has championship experience. He won an NBA title as a member of the Miami Heat in 2005-2006 season. He captured a second title with Boston this past season. That is the kind of playoff experience that the Hornets lacked this past season. He can shoot the three. He excels under pressure and in the postseason. In game four of the title series against the Lakers, Posey nailed four triples in an amazing comeback victory. Overall, he drilled 35 triples in the postseason run of the Celtics.   He would bring experience, winning ways, grit, and, perhaps most importantly, a defensive presence to New Orleans. Posey was solid in defending the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in the postseason this year. The Hornets clearly lack that kind of presence off of their bench presently. Landing Posey would likely be as part of a tandem. His agent, Mark Bartelstien, also represents Jannero Pargo. The Hornets are aggressively trying to re-sign the combo guard. Pargo would be well-served to return to New Orleans where his talents clearly fit very well.   Of course, one must wonder if Posey can maintain that level. It is a legitimate question. Of course, you would be looking for a guy to give you 20-25 minutes per game of energy, defense, a winning attitude, and some scoring. With Chris Paul, Posey would benefit greatly, no doubt getting open looks via Paul's penetration and quick decision-making capability in finding the open man. Ask Peja Stojakovic.   All things considered equal, Posey would definitely return to Boston. Why wouldn't you? You just won a title and the pieces remain in place for another run in a great NBA city with the most storied franchise in the league. The caveat for the Hornets is that they can offer more, in terms of years. Is it worth the risk? Only time will tell. It may be a moot point. It may be more points for the Hornets pointing toward a championship run. We should know very soon. Bookmark

 

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