Veterans Day
Posey becoming a playoff force for Celtics
NBA. There’s a unique aura that James Posey carries with him through the Celtics’ locker room.
While his teammates envy his championship ring, they also admire the way he goes about his business. Off the court, Posey adds the ideal veteran presence that every title-driven team desires, to the point where players in Miami have said this season they regretted management’s decision to let him leave the Heat.
And then there’s Posey’s pregame routine, when he hugs every starter individually before they head onto the court and gives each their own pep talk, something he began doing four years ago when he played for the Grizzlies.
These intricacies carry even more weight through the pressure of the playoffs, especially for the Celtics, who have struggled to keep their poise in tough games on the road. They need someone like Posey who isn’t afraid to speak up in the huddle or on the court.
“He’s been through it,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s comfortable in the playoffs. He is more valuable [this time of year].”
Naturally, Posey garners most of this respect because he can back it up. His defense while fronting Cavs star LeBron James has a lot to do with James’ 25.6 shooting percentage in the Eastern Conference semis.
“He’s a very good defender,” James said. “I think when a team is so good defensively, individuals can be very good. When James knows he has help behind him, he can be allowed to press up and do some things that you couldn’t do if the back line wasn’t so good.”
Such examples force younger players to gravitate toward Posey. Rookie forward Glen Davis and second-year forward Leon Powe have found themselves asking Posey about defensive assignments or any problem they might encounter, whether it’s in the gym or at home.
“I think he does a great job,” Davis said of Posey. “He’s just a smart basketball player. He just plays the game tremendously hard and knows the game and plays the game with a lot of wisdom. It shows out there when he guards a great player like LeBron.”