The Boston Celtics are currently in a debate on whether or not to retain the services of James Posey. The two sides have been talking and exchanging offers, the problem is as always money and length. Rumor has it the Celtics are offering considerably less then the $5.8 million, 4-year exception that Posey would surely command on the open market. Without coming close to those numbers Posey would surely walk as there are other teams who would pay that. Management may not realize how critical a player like Posey was to their championship run but at least one player does, Paul Pierce.

Pierce said, “He’s a huge key, man. Everybody knows it. A huge key in what we try to do. No. 1, he changes what type of team we are out there because of versatility. You put him at the 4 and he’s a matchup problem for the other team. Then you move him to the 3 and he can defend there, too. He gives our lineup a whole other dimension. He’s tough and he has experience.”

After the marquee names, Posey might be one of the most sought after players in this years free agent class for that very reason. One team in particular is the Los Angeles Lakers, in the finals Boston exposed their defense and the lack of a true stopper on that team. Another team that you could see Posey on the New Orleans Hornets, rumor has it he would be in line for the teams starting shooting guard position. So pretty much if the Celtics don’t increase their offer, Posey is definitely going to be a wanted man. Pierce knows this and was pretty passionate about it. In that same Boston Herald interview, Pierce went on and on about the situation.

“You’ve got to understand the position ‘Pose’ is in. I mean, he’s 31 years old, and this is probably going to be the last contract he’s going to get, so I guess he’s looking for a little extra security - maybe a little more than we’re willing to give him. But hopefully we can retain him and he can look at what we offer him as a sense of security.”

He also talked about the importance of being a Celtic, which is always pretty big but even of more importance now that the previous season’s team has implanted themselves in Celtics history.

“When I talk to him, I’m going to let him know that - the significance of being a Boston Celtic even after basketball. Hopefully I can convince him to come back for whatever the offer we’re giving him. I don’t really know the offer that (director of basketball operations) Danny (Ainge) and them are talking about. I know it’s less than the mid-level and I know there’s teams out there probably trying to give him the mid-level.”

There’s so much more that I could quote but instead I’ll give you the link to the Boston Herald where you can read it in its entirety.

Here’s my take on the situation. To steal a phrase from another Boston team, the Celtics management need to cowboy up. Posey is a player this team needs, true they had the Big Three that could score almost at will but what really led this team to its championship was its defense. The Celtics played all around solid team defense, but to have a lock down player like Posey is an absolute necessity. If they take him out of the mix, I can guarantee you they will take some hit on the defensive side of the ball.

We all know how passionate Boston fans are. They’re the modern day Title Town, for this decade at least hopefully not longer. The Celtics brought basketball back to the forefront, where the Red Sox and Patriots were for so long. If you haven’t experienced a game of any kind in Boston you are missing out, it’s some where you have to visit. Football season is coming up, why not check out the New England Patriots?

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