James Posey, the new Robert Horry, deciding between Boston, Washington, New Orleans, & L.A. Clippers

Opponents can finally breath because Robert Horry will likely retire. After seventeen seasons, the forward leaves a legacy of game-winning shots, championship bling, and controversial plays.

Ironically, as one clutch veteran gets ready to call-it-quits, another, James Posey, seems ready to assume the Mr. Playoffs mantle. That’s right. ‘Pose’ is the new ‘Big Shot Bob’.

Consider the evidence. Posey hasn’t hit many Horry style buzzer-beaters, but his toughness helped Miami and Boston win the Lawrence O’Brien trophy. During the playoffs, former coach and ABC broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy spent significant airtime praising his competitive fire. And contenders are looking like forty-year old cougars fighting for New Kids On The Block reunion tickets because they’re falling over each other trying to sign Posey as a free agent.

So where will he end up? ESPN senior basketball writer Marc Stein reports that Boston, Washington, New Orleans, and the L.A. Clippers are eyeing the lanky wing. Lets examine his options.

• Celtics: The green-and-white want Posey back. But they have nine players under contract for next year at a staggering 72 million dollars and may have to let their valuable reserve walk for financial reasons.  

• Wizards: Posey would work in DC, but only if Coach Eddie Jordan stops entertaining with scoring and commits to featuring Caron Butler’s blue-collar defence. Posey, Butler, and DeShawn Stevenson would form a strong three-man rotation at the shooting guard-small forward spots.

• Hornets: Looks good on paper, huh? Young up-and-comers Chris Paul and David West with a winner like Posey.

• Clippers: This seems unlikely. L.A.’s other team are rebuilding their talent and brand after the Brand fiasco (no pun intended), so Posey will head elsewhere unless Donald Stern overpays by several million dollars.