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Each year there seems to be a player who makes his name during the playoffs and commands large dollars when he hits the free agent market. A year ago, Daniel "Boobie" Gibson drew national attention with an eye-opening three-point clinic which helped the LeBron-led Cavaliers to the Finals.
Gibson recently re-signed with the Cavs, and sources have said that the contract is worth somewhere in the $21-$27.5 million range. Again, not bad for a guy who averaged a shade over 10 points per game and actually lacks a true position.
Posey undoubtedly fills a need for the Hornets that may put them over the top in the ever-difficult NBA Western Conference, but also represents a major contract on the books for four years.
Chris Paul's extension coupled with the large contracts of David West, Peja Stojakovic, and Tyson Chandler, means the Hornets have committed a great deal of their spending to a third of the players on their team. Throw in Posey's contract and the Hornets will likely remain quiet on the free agent market going forward.
From the Celtics' standpoint they lose a guy who provided a winning attitude and the versatility that all GMs covet. Posey was a tough defender who could guard the No. 3 and the No. 4, and occasionally the No. 2 position against larger shooting guards.
He made countless big threes in the playoffs and played with a grit that was reflective of teammate Kevin Garnett. Yet the commodity of a tough defender and solid three-point shooter is not limited to Posey.
Posey's limitations are overshadowed by what he brings to the table, but should be brought into the conversation as well. Posey is a limited offensive player beyond his three-point shot and is 31 years old.
Posey is set to make over $6 million at the age of 35, a risky endeavor for any team to take on. And ultimately, he and the Celtics could not make ends meet with a contract to retain a key contributor to their franchise's 17th championship.
The Celtics reportedly offered Posey a three-year deal worth a total of $12-15 million. This represents the shorter-term contract that they desired and also marks a raise for Posey. Ultimately the long-term security lured Posey away from Boston to the Hornets.
Celtics fans who are left upset by Posey's departure should take solace in the fact that this is not as crushing a blow as local sportscasters might have made it seem.
Anytime a team loses a player of note, or of any caliber for that matter, they must believe that their team is still formidable. They must invest their extra money in a player that either replaces the recently departed player or addresses another need.
For years the New England Patriots have followed this philosophy, often letting talent go, only to have that player replaced the following year and forgotten by most fans.
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