Pat Riley Regrets Losing Posey

1/17/2007

The Celtics feel the Heat's loss of James Posey has been their gain.

Posey was a key member of the Heat the last two seasons, including the 2005-06 championship team. But because of financial considerations, Miami was unable to re-sign Posey, Jason Kapono, and Eddie Jones during the offseason. Posey faced his former team for the first time last night at the Garden.

"We knew we were going to be a [luxury] tax team if we tried to keep that team together, a real big tax team, so that's what we became," said Heats coach Pat Riley. "I regret losing all three of those guys. I'd love to have all three of them back, but it just wasn't meant to be."

During free agency last summer, there was a perception that the Heat lowballed Posey with their offer. So instead of returning to Miami, the 6-foot-8-inch, 217-pounder signed a one-year deal with the Celtics worth $3.2 million with a player option for next season.

"Things happen for a reason," Posey said. "Business decisions are made and things like that. At the end of the day both parties are going to do what they needed to do."

Posey said he keeps in touch with Heat guard Jason Williams, swingman Dorell Wright, and forward Udonis Haslem. Posey has fond memories of playing with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade during the title run.

"I played for Coach Riley and with Shaq and D-Wade," Posey said. "I had the opportunity to win a championship, which we did. The opportunity to defend and repeat, it holds a special place."

Celtics coach Doc Rivers pushed hard for Danny Ainge to sign Posey during the offseason. The nine-year veteran entered last night's game averaging 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds.

"I called [Ainge] every 20 minutes on the day [Posey] was going to sign," Rivers said. "I wanted [Posey] because he was going to help us. You wanted him also so he couldn't help [the Heat], New Jersey, and everywhere else he was thinking about going.

"But he's been better than advertised, which I've said a million times. He's been great in the locker room. He's just a smart guy to have on your basketball team. He seems to have the right timing to say the right stuff. So, he's been great."