The Hornets finally closed a free-agent deal when they signed former Celtics swingman James Posey to a four-year, $25 million contract.
Posey had expressed a preference for staying with the reigning NBA champions, but the Hornets got him by offering the fourth year that the Celtics wouldn't. Posey turns 32 during next season. The acquisition potentially gives the Hornets a few things they were looking for. They needed to bolster their bench and did so with a 6-foot-8 player who can guard shooting guards and big and small forwards.
He's an effective three-point shooter on a team with effective three-point shooters in the starting lineup, but shaky ones off the bench. He also brings the experience of playoff success -- he also won a title with the Heat three years ago -- to a young team that tasted the post-season together for the first time just a few months ago.
"I look for them to do big things this upcoming season after the great things they did last season," Posey said of the Hornets. "I want to contribute as best I can.
"You can see, it's just sitting right there with the young core they have. Chris Paul is a great leader and with David West, Peja (Stojakovic), and Tyson Chandler, they have a group that competes every single day. I hope I'm the missing piece that furthers them on this journey."
Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds and made 38 percent of his three-pointers in 74 regular-season games for Boston. In 26 playoff games he averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds, making 40 percent of his three-pointers.
In nine seasons with five teams, he has averaged 9.2 points and 4.9 rebounds and shot 35 percent on three-pointers.
"Many times a player's statistics paint an inaccurate picture," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "James' stats only tell half the story. He's all about his team and playing whatever role is necessary for him to contribute.
"He's not concerned about his statistics. He likes doing the hard things, the rebounding, the loose balls, the competitive nature, the things that turn into points and rebounds for himself and for his teammates."
Coach Byron Scott said the Hornets "thought of James Posey as the best free agent available and he fits exactly what we're doing.
"He has passion on the defensive end and he has the versatility to play two or three positions," Scott said. "He'll guard anybody. He doesn't care."
