With Posey making his return to the Garden last night as a member of the New Orleans Hornets, Celtics coach Doc Rivers was asked about what he meant to last year's team.

``He was the captain of our bench and he was instrumental,'' Rivers said after Thursday's 122-88 win over the Wizards. ``Behind the scenes, I don't think people really understand how important James Posey was to our Basketball team. He was the only guy that had won and he shed a lot of knowledge on us. He was absolutely terrific for us.''

Posey, who still keeps in touch with his former teammates through text messages, was appreciative of the gratitude the C's have shown.

``It feels good,'' Posey said before the Hornets shootaround at the Garden yesterday morning. ``They appreciate how I came and played the game while I was here. Like I said, what we accomplished last year, you just can't take it away from us. Everybody worked hard toward it.''

The Celtics and Posey both expressed an interest in extending his stay in Boston beyond one year, but he received a more substantial offer from the Hornets (four years, $25 million) and he signed with New Orleans in July.

Posey, who averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds last season, didn't expect any of that to take away from his return to the Garden.

``It's going to feel good because of what we accomplished last year as a team,'' Posey said. ``It's just something special that you can't take away.''

The highlight of Posey's return was receiving his championship ring in a pregame ceremony. It was Posey's second, after winning a title with the Heat in 2006.

``It's going to be emotional, just coming here and what we were able to accomplish with this organization, which is known for winning and bringing titles and championships here,'' Posey said. ``For us to be a part of that tradition and that history, it's going to mean a lot.''

Posey has kept tabs on the C's, who have charged out to a 21-2 record, the best start in franchise history.

``They're playing great Basketball,'' said Posey. ``I'm not surprised at all. Everybody's coming back and, just like last year, guys are still competitive and they're still hungry.''

Things haven't been as flawless in New Orleans, as the team began the season 5-5. But the Hornets have gone 7-1 since and are currently in first place in the Southwest Division.

``We're working,'' said Posey, who is averaging 8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds. ``That's all we can continue to do. It's a long season for us. For me, it's just trying to get on the same page with these guys still. Every day (we're) just trying to get better and we're just taking it one day at a time.''

- danduggan@bostonherald.com