Available free agents that could possibly replace Posey <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Green had to make the first tough decision of the offseason, opting not to offer a full four years to James Posey, who signed a four-year, $25 million deal with New Orleans. The Celtics will miss Posey's defense, his outside shooting, and all the other extras (playoff experience and man hugs, for starters). As the Globe's Bob Ryan said recently, "There's only one James Posey." However, he's now a Hornet, and the Celtics have to fill his shoes. They still hold their full mid-level exception -- $5.5 million for next season -- so the question is this: Who will they add? Here are some available players who could replace Posey in the Celtics' rotation:</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Tony Allen. A free agent, he's one year removed from knee surgery. He's athletic and a good defender, but is he ready for a larger role? Matt Barnes, SF, Golden State. A hustle guy who will bring energy first, and a decent offensive game second. Barnes drifted around, then found a place with the Warriors. Was it a flash in the pan, or is the 28-year-old hitting his prime? Maurice Evans, SG, Orlando. Small but a super athlete, Evans is a decent rebounder and likes to throw down on the break. He's not smooth or long, but he could add another dimension to the C's attack. Michael Finley, SG, San Antonio. He's getting up there in years (will turn 36 in March) but he can still make buckets in crunch time. He finally got his ring with the Spurs in 2007. Devean George, SF, Dallas. He was a good defender off the bench for the three-peat Lakers, but he can't do much offensively. Bostjan Nachbar, SF, New Jersey. The Slovenian won't bring the same defense that Posey did, but he owns a nice stroke and likes to run the floor. Bonzi Wells, SF, New Orleans. He looks to be out in NO now that Posey's in. An intriguing option -- he can score and crash the boards, but what's left in the tank? He had an awful 2006-07, then somewhat of a resurgence last year. Not a great free-throw shooter. Robert Swift, C, Oklahoma City. Just kidding, folks.</div>
Mo Evans and Michael Finley seems like pretty good options. Matt Barnes might work out well. And I don't know how good George still is.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lavalamp @ Jul 17 2008, 12:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Mo Evans and Michael Finley seems like pretty good options. Matt Barnes might work out well. And I don't know how good George still is.</div> I would want Barnes or Evans, they're athletic and with KG around would be great defenders.
Mo Evans would be a good option here. I also became a pretty big fan of Kirk Snyder during his stint in Minnesota. He works his tail off every time he hits the floor. He is solid on offense and a ard nosed very good perimeter defender. He would fit in well with a winning team from what I have seen of him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (aquaitious @ Jul 18 2008, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Am I the only one with the feeling that Tony Allen has not played his last game as a Celtic?</div> Word is that Ainge was interviewed last night and he wasn't saying anything that would suggest that Allen would be back. If it's cheap I say yeah, go ahead and bring him, but don't overpay. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tim @ Jul 18 2008, 12:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Mo Evans would be a good option here. I also became a pretty big fan of Kirk Snyder during his stint in Minnesota. He works his tail off every time he hits the floor. He is solid on offense and a ard nosed very good perimeter defender. He would fit in well with a winning team from what I have seen of him.</div> Snyder wouldn't be bad either, maybe a 2 year deal?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Chutney @ Jul 18 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I personally think Bonzi could provide some nice versatility and defense for you guys.</div> Yeah, was it two years ago when he was a best versus the Spurs in the playoffs? (while playing for the Kings)
