Replacing James Posey: Boston Celtics should target Matt Barnes, Devean George, Robert Horry, & Devin Brown

One season. One Championship. And then, like Kaiser Soze in The Usual Suspects, James Posey was gone, leaving the Boston Celtics to sign a four-year, 21 million dollar contract with the New Orleans Hornets.

Reports indicate the Celtics and their glue-forward couldn’t agree on term. Word is the green-and-white wouldn’t offer anything beyond three years, forcing Posey to opt for the security of New Orleans’ longer pact.

This, however, is old news. Here’s the real question: who can replace Posey in Doc Rivers’ rotation? Well, a few free agents offer Posey’s defence, three-point range, veteran savvy, and cult-hero status. Of course, complicating matters is the Celts’ sticky cap predicament, so potential replacements must come cheap.

Option 1: Matt Barnes.   

In 06-07, The Mohawk defined We Believe. After making like Rudy and walking on with the Warriors during training camp, Barnes had a solid season, and drove the Mavericks mad in the playoffs (below is a reminder, music by The Beastie Boys and Nas).

Last year was very different. Barnes spent the 07 off-season working out a one-year, three million-dollar contract to stay with Golden State. For whatever reason, the somewhat tense negotiations carried over to the 07-08 season. Not surprisingly, Barnes’ minutes, points, and rebounds decreased.

Signing with Boston would kick-start his career. The UCLA grad, when focused, provides energy and football-player toughness. But with the Celtics capped-out, Barnes would have to take a short-term deal at below market value.

Option 2: Devean George.

Before his Dallas days and the infamous J-Kidd trade veto, George was a useful cog on some talented Laker sides. The lanky wing still defends, creates space with his outside range, and has valuable experience.

Option 3: Robert Horry.

Big Shot Bob Horry has the resume. But does the seventeen-year veteran have anything left? There is no risk and all reward with Boston offering a one-year pact for the minimum. However, family might limit Horry’s choices to the Texas triangle of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

Option 4: Devin Brown.

San Antonio. Utah. Cleveland. There are several reasons these three contenders have signed Brown to come off their bench. Here are four: he’s professional, plays all perimeter positions, can score, and doesn’t cost much.

Who should Boston sign to replace James Posey? Matt Barnes? Devean George? Robert Horry? Devin Brown? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of photographer dpawson‘s on-line portfolio.