Celts pick Posey to get tough

Reggie Miller would have added a nice offensive punch off the bench.
But James Posey, the 6-foot-8 forward who agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract with the Celtics [team stats] yesterday, offers an upgrade in two areas of greater need.

The swingman, who alternated with Antoine Walker as sixth man when the Miami Heat won the 2006 NBA title, is one of the most energetic players in the league, as well as one of its finest defenders.

That combination makes Posey one of the NBA’s most highly regarded role players, and it has earned him a reputation for tough defense and the eternal scorn of Chicago fans after two playoff appearances against the Bulls.

As playoff matchups against Richard Hamilton, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and, in particular, the Bulls’ Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas have illustrated, Posey is a rugged defender who relishes tough assignments. His defense on Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki during the 2006 Finals was vital to Miami’s defeat of the Mavericks. His rough play against Deng, Thomas and Kirk Hinrich over the last two playoff seasons has earned Posey two ejections.

In terms of grit, no addition could have been more important for a Celtics team that already has Paul Pierce [stats], Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

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source : celtics.bostonherald.com