James Posey
Encyclopedia
James Mikely Mantell Posey, Jr. (born January 13, 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio
) is an American professional basketball
player, currently a small forward
for the Indiana Pacers
of the NBA
.
and Chamberlin High School in Twinsburg
, Ohio. He grew up with NFL cornerback
Kelly Herndon
who also went to Chamberlin.
in the 1995–96 season, but under Prop 48 rules, was ineligible, so sat out his freshman year. Posey ranks 16th on Xavier's all-time scoring list with 1,455 points and 10th on Xavier's all-time rebounding list with 801. Posey led XU in rebounding in each of his three seasons as a Musketeer. Posey earned a long list of honors while at Xavier, including the 1998 Atlantic 10 Championship "Most Outstanding Player" Award in helping XU win its first-ever A-10 Tournament Championship. Posey earned the A-10's "Sixth Man Award" twice and was named 1999 A-10 First Team and 1999 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year. He did all of that while not being a consistent starter in the Xavier lineup, almost always coming off the bench and in uncustomary fashion, Posey coming from a small mid-major university, became well sought after from several sports agents such as Bill Duffy, Andy Miller, Craig McKenzie and Mark Bartelstein. With their permission Posey allowed his interviews to be held in front of the media of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
with the 18th pick of the 1999 NBA Draft
. He played a little over three seasons with the team before being sent to the Houston Rockets
in a three-team deal also involving the Philadelphia 76ers
on December 18, 2002.
After finishing the season with the Rockets, he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies
as a free agent
in the 2003 off-season.
acquired point guard
Jason Williams, forward Antoine Walker
, shooting guard
Andre Emmett
, and the draft rights to Roberto Duenas
. The Memphis Grizzlies
received shooting guard
Eddie Jones
, and point guard Raul Lopez
. Boston, who dealt Walker to the Heat, received a package that included Qyntel Woods
, the draft rights to Albert Miralles
, two second-round draft picks, and cash. The Boston Celtics
also picked up Curtis Borchardt
. Utah was able to acquire center
Greg Ostertag
, and the New Orleans Hornets acquired small forward
Rasual Butler
and shooting guard Kirk Snyder
.
Posey averaged 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2005–06.
After that somewhat disappointing regular season with Miami, Posey performed much better in the playoffs than expected. He had been a starter during the regular season, but head coach Pat Riley
made the change of having Posey come off the bench for the playoffs. As the Heat's sixth man
, Posey was able to average 11.8 points per game on 48.8% shooting against Miami's first-round opponent, the Chicago Bulls
. Against Miami's second-round opponent, the New Jersey Nets
, Posey was forced to play defense, particularly guarding Vince Carter
or Richard Jefferson
. Although Posey's scoring dropped, his defense was said to have been the key to the Heat's advancement into the conference finals.
Posey again had to focus on defense against Miami's third-round opponent, the Detroit Pistons
, particularly guarding Richard Hamilton
, Tayshaun Prince
, and even sometimes Chauncey Billups
or Rasheed Wallace
. Posey's defense was able to take the pressure off of Miami's other perimeter players like Dwyane Wade
, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker
so that they could focus on their strengths on the offensive end.
In the 2006 NBA Finals
against the Dallas Mavericks
, Posey was a key factor on both ends of the court. Defensively, he, along with Udonis Haslem
, provided tough defense on the Mavericks All-Star, Dirk Nowitzki
. He also guarded Josh Howard
, who had caused problems for Miami when Antoine Walker was guarding him. On the offensive end, Posey played a huge role in knocking down shots because Miami's All-Stars, Wade and Shaquille O'Neal
, were often double-teamed and needed to pass the ball. In Game 4 of the Finals, Posey was very impressive in Miami's blowout, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. In Game 6, Posey hit a huge shot to give Miami an 87–81 advantage with four minutes remaining. With the Heat, Posey won the first NBA championship of his career.
On July 1, 2006, Posey opted to exercise his $6.4 million contract option, opting not to become a free agent. He only played in 4 playoff games in the 2006–07 season, because the Heat were eliminated in the first round.
On August 25, 2007, Posey signed with the Boston Celtics
, adding to their revamped roster, including newcomers Kevin Garnett
and Ray Allen
. Terms of the deal were roughly $6.67 million over 2 years, with the second year being Posey's option. In the 2008 NBA Finals
, Posey would win his second NBA championship, once again helping his team with tough defense and timely baskets at crunch time. On June 30, 2008, in a widely anticipated move, Posey opted out of the second and final year of his contract with the Celtics and officially became an unrestricted free agent, but had stated that he wanted to return to the Celtics on a new contract.
, to the Pacers, in a four-team, five-player trade with the New Jersey Nets
and the Houston Rockets
.
stated he would support Posey.
Posey was suspended for the opener of the 2007–08 season by NBA commissioner David Stern
after his no contest plea to reckless driving stemming from the DUI incident.
In Game 3 of the Chicago Bulls Miami Heat first round match Kirk Hinrich
was moving down the court when Posey hit Hinrich with a hard shoulder block knocking Hinrich down to the floor, was called for a Flagrant-2 Foul, and was ejected from the game. When asked about the shot to Hinrich, Posey responded, "I was just trying to get back on defense and cut the ball off." "He didn't see me and that's how collisions happen. That's all it was." When asked if he thought Posey was looking for trouble, Hinrich said, "I don't know. Maybe he was. I guess he just wanted to make a hard foul. Sometimes that's part of the game." The shot would also lead to Posey getting suspended for 1 game.
In the season opener of the 2006–07 NBA season, Posey was involved with another incident with Bulls rookie Tyrus Thomas
, who was going for the rebound, was hit in the face by Posey which led to Thomas having his nose broken and missing a few games, and having to wear a protective mask for multiple games.
In this, his third incident with the Bulls at the United Center
, Posey was ejected from the game with 7:16 remaining in the fourth quarter on December 27, 2006. Luol Deng
, who attempted a layup, was fouled by Posey in mid-air. Deng fell hard on his wrist, which he had had surgery on just a year earlier, but it was not broken. Posey was called for a flagrant-2 foul and ejected. Posey was suspended for 1 game as a result of his infraction.
.
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Denver
| 81 || 77 || 25.3 || .429 || .373 || .800 || 3.9 || 1.8 || 1.2 || .4 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Denver
| 82 || 82 || 27.5 || .412 || .300 || .816 || 5.3 || 2.0 || 1.1 || .5 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Denver
| 73 || 63 || 30.7 || .376 || .283 || .793 || 5.9 || 2.5 || 1.6 || .5 || 10.7
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | Denver
Houston
| 25
58 || 24
47 || 34.9
28.4 || .373
.439 || .273
.326 || .843
.826 || 5.8
4.8 || 3.1
1.8 || 1.2
1.3 || .2
.2 || 14.1
9.3
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Memphis
| 82 || 82 || 29.9 || .478 || .386 || .830 || 4.9 || 1.5 || 1.7 || .5 || 13.7
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Memphis
| 50 || 18 || 27.6 || .357 || .309 || .865 || 4.4 || 1.8 || 1.0 || .5 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 67 || 63 || 28.6 || .403 || .403 || .787 || 4.8 || 1.3 || .8 || .3 || 7.2
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 71 || 19 || 27.0 || .431 || .375 || .827 || 5.0 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.7
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
| 74 || 2 || 24.6 || .418 || .380 || .809 || 4.4 || 1.5 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 75 || 0 || 28.5 || .412 || .369 || .822 || 4.8 || 1.1 || .8 || .3 || 8.9
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 77 || 2 || 22.5 || .365 || .335 || .825 || 4.3 || 1.5 || .6 || .2 || 5.2
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Indiana
| 49 || 0 || 17.1 || .336 || .316 || .733 || 3.0 || .7 || .5 || .1 || 4.9
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 864 || 479 || 26.9 || .410 || .349 || .820 || 4.7 || 1.6 || 1.1 || .3 || 8.6
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Memphis
| 4 || 4 || 32.5 || .405 || .167 || .905 || 5.5 || 1.0 || 2.2 || .5 || 12.5
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Memphis
| 4 || 0 || 25.0 || .440 || .467 || .769 || 3.3 || 1.0 || .5 || .2 || 9.8
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 22 || 1 || 27.5 || .430 || .422 || .730 || 5.7 || .9 || .8 || .1 || 7.3
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 1 || 34.8 || .385 || .316 || 1.000 || 7.8 || 1.5 || 2.0 || 1.2 || 7.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
| 26 || 0 || 22.0 || .437 || .398 || .875 || 3.6 || 1.1 || 1.0 || .3 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 5 || 0 || 24.6 || .375 || .263 || .846 || 6.2 || .6 || .6 || .0 || 11.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 65 || 6 || 25.7 || .421 || .387 || .831 || 4.8 || 1.0 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.9
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
) is an American professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player, currently a small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
for the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
of the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
.
Early life
Posey attended and played basketball at Chamberlin Middle SchoolR. B. Chamberlin Middle School
R. B. Chamberlin Middle School is a middle school located in Twinsburg, Ohio. It is part of the Twinsburg City Schools. It was built in 1957 and was the high school until 1999...
and Chamberlin High School in Twinsburg
Twinsburg, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,006 people, 6,641 households, and 4,695 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,366.7 people per square mile . There were 6,871 housing units at an average density of 552.2 per square mile...
, Ohio. He grew up with NFL cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Kelly Herndon
Kelly Herndon
Kelly Errin Herndon is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Toledo. Although he entered his first NFL camp in 1999, Herndon waited until 2002 to play in...
who also went to Chamberlin.
College career
Posey came to Xavier UniversityXavier University (Cincinnati)
Xavier University is a co-educational Jesuit university in the United States located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and has an undergraduate enrollment of about 4,000 students and graduate enrollment of 2,600 students. Xavier is primarily...
in the 1995–96 season, but under Prop 48 rules, was ineligible, so sat out his freshman year. Posey ranks 16th on Xavier's all-time scoring list with 1,455 points and 10th on Xavier's all-time rebounding list with 801. Posey led XU in rebounding in each of his three seasons as a Musketeer. Posey earned a long list of honors while at Xavier, including the 1998 Atlantic 10 Championship "Most Outstanding Player" Award in helping XU win its first-ever A-10 Tournament Championship. Posey earned the A-10's "Sixth Man Award" twice and was named 1999 A-10 First Team and 1999 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year. He did all of that while not being a consistent starter in the Xavier lineup, almost always coming off the bench and in uncustomary fashion, Posey coming from a small mid-major university, became well sought after from several sports agents such as Bill Duffy, Andy Miller, Craig McKenzie and Mark Bartelstein. With their permission Posey allowed his interviews to be held in front of the media of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Early years
Posey was selected out of Xavier University by the Denver NuggetsDenver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
with the 18th pick of the 1999 NBA Draft
1999 NBA Draft
The 1999 NBA Draft was held on June 30, 1999 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. It was the first draft in which four players from the same college were picked in the first round, with Elton Brand , Trajan Langdon , Corey Maggette and William Avery being selected out of Duke University...
. He played a little over three seasons with the team before being sent to the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
in a three-team deal also involving the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
on December 18, 2002.
After finishing the season with the Rockets, he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
as a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
in the 2003 off-season.
Miami Heat
On August 2, 2005, Posey was involved in the largest trade in NBA history, which involved 13 players and five different teams. Through this trade, the Miami HeatMiami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
acquired point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
Jason Williams, forward Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker
Antoine Devon Walker is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League...
, shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
Andre Emmett
Andre Emmett
Andre Emmett is an American professional basketball player.Emmett played college basketball for Bob Knight at Texas Tech University...
, and the draft rights to Roberto Duenas
Roberto Dueñas
Roberto Dueñas Hernandez is a retired Spanish basketball player. He was drafted with the last overall pick of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls but never played in the NBA. Dueñas played professionally with FC Barcelona from 1996-2005, during which time he won a Euroleague championship in...
. The Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
received shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones (basketball)
Eddie Charles Jones is an American former professional basketball player. Jones played college basketball at Temple University and was the 1993–94 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year...
, and point guard Raul Lopez
Raül López
Raül López i Molist is a Spanish professional basketball player. He has previously played for the NBA's Utah Jazz. López is a native of Vic, Barcelona, in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. At 6 ft 0 in tall, he plays the point guard position...
. Boston, who dealt Walker to the Heat, received a package that included Qyntel Woods
Qyntel Woods
Qyntel Deon Woods is an American professional basketball player who plays for Maccabi Haifa B.C. in Israel...
, the draft rights to Albert Miralles
Albert Miralles
Albert Miralles is a Spanish basketball player who was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the 2004 NBA Draft...
, two second-round draft picks, and cash. The Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
also picked up Curtis Borchardt
Curtis Borchardt
Curtis Alan Borchardt is an American professional basketball player. He is a 7 ft 0 in tall center.-Amateur career:...
. Utah was able to acquire center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
Greg Ostertag
Greg Ostertag
Gregory Donovan Ostertag is a retired American basketball player who spent most of his professional career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association.- High School and College :...
, and the New Orleans Hornets acquired small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
Rasual Butler
Rasual Butler
Rasual Butler is an American professional basketball player who plays for CB Gran Canaria in Spain. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in the Point Breeze area of south Philadelphia.-La Salle:...
and shooting guard Kirk Snyder
Kirk Snyder
Kirk Patrick Snyder is an American professional basketball player.-College:Having grown up in Upland, California, Snyder spent his college career at University of Nevada. In 2004, he led the Wolf Pack to its first Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. During that trip, they beat No. 2 seed Gonzaga and No...
.
Posey averaged 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2005–06.
After that somewhat disappointing regular season with Miami, Posey performed much better in the playoffs than expected. He had been a starter during the regular season, but head coach Pat Riley
Pat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
made the change of having Posey come off the bench for the playoffs. As the Heat's sixth man
Sixth man
The sixth man in basketball is a player who is not a starter but comes off the bench much more often than other reserves, often being the first player to be substituted in. The sixth man often plays minutes equal to or exceeding some of the starters and posts similar statistics. He is often a...
, Posey was able to average 11.8 points per game on 48.8% shooting against Miami's first-round opponent, the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
. Against Miami's second-round opponent, the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, Posey was forced to play defense, particularly guarding Vince Carter
Vince Carter
Vincent Lamar "Vince" Carter is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns. He is a shooting guard who can also play small forward....
or Richard Jefferson
Richard Jefferson
Richard Allen Jefferson is a 6 ft 7 in American professional basketball player currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association...
. Although Posey's scoring dropped, his defense was said to have been the key to the Heat's advancement into the conference finals.
Posey again had to focus on defense against Miami's third-round opponent, the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
, particularly guarding Richard Hamilton
Richard Hamilton (basketball)
Richard "Rip" Hamilton is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons. Hamilton is 6'7" tall, weighs 193 lbs , and plays shooting guard. He currently is the Pistons' team captain....
, Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Durell Prince is an American basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association. Prince is a small forward, listed at and . A graduate of Dominguez High School and the University of Kentucky, Prince was drafted in the first round by the...
, and even sometimes Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Ray Billups is an American professional basketball point guard for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association . He has also played for Team USA. Billups won the NBA Finals MVP in 2004, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, and was given the...
or Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Abdul Wallace is a retired American professional basketball power forward and center who played from 1995 to 2010 in the National Basketball Association...
. Posey's defense was able to take the pressure off of Miami's other perimeter players like Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker
Antoine Devon Walker is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League...
so that they could focus on their strengths on the offensive end.
In the 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
against the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
, Posey was a key factor on both ends of the court. Defensively, he, along with Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem
Udonis Johneal Haslem is an American professional basketball player who is currently a power forward for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Haslem played college basketball for the University of Florida, where he was a key member of four Florida Gators NCAA tournament teams...
, provided tough defense on the Mavericks All-Star, Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
. He also guarded Josh Howard
Josh Howard
Joshua Jay Howard is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the NBA's Washington Wizards. At and , he plays as a small forward.-High school:...
, who had caused problems for Miami when Antoine Walker was guarding him. On the offensive end, Posey played a huge role in knocking down shots because Miami's All-Stars, Wade and Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
, were often double-teamed and needed to pass the ball. In Game 4 of the Finals, Posey was very impressive in Miami's blowout, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. In Game 6, Posey hit a huge shot to give Miami an 87–81 advantage with four minutes remaining. With the Heat, Posey won the first NBA championship of his career.
On July 1, 2006, Posey opted to exercise his $6.4 million contract option, opting not to become a free agent. He only played in 4 playoff games in the 2006–07 season, because the Heat were eliminated in the first round.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
, adding to their revamped roster, including newcomers Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Maurice Garnett is an American professional basketball player who currently plays power forward for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association . After a high school basketball career at Farragut Career Academy which included winning a national player of the year award, he...
and Ray Allen
Ray Allen
Walter Ray Allen is an American professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. He has played professionally for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics; and collegiately for the University of...
. Terms of the deal were roughly $6.67 million over 2 years, with the second year being Posey's option. In the 2008 NBA Finals
2008 NBA Finals
The 2008 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2007–08 NBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Boston Celtics, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, four games to two in a...
, Posey would win his second NBA championship, once again helping his team with tough defense and timely baskets at crunch time. On June 30, 2008, in a widely anticipated move, Posey opted out of the second and final year of his contract with the Celtics and officially became an unrestricted free agent, but had stated that he wanted to return to the Celtics on a new contract.
New Orleans Hornets
On July 16, 2008, Posey signed with the New Orleans Hornets, accepting a four year deal worth about $25 million.Indiana Pacers
On August 11, 2010, New Orleans sent Posey, along with Darren CollisonDarren Collison
Darren Michael Collison is an American professional basketball point guard for the Indiana Pacers. He was drafted 21st overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by New Orleans. He is a right-hander and a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California...
, to the Pacers, in a four-team, five-player trade with the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
and the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
.
Career transactions
- June 30, 1999: Drafted 18th overall by Denver NuggetsDenver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
in 1999 NBA Draft1999 NBA DraftThe 1999 NBA Draft was held on June 30, 1999 at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. It was the first draft in which four players from the same college were picked in the first round, with Elton Brand , Trajan Langdon , Corey Maggette and William Avery being selected out of Duke University...
. - December 18, 2002: Traded by Denver to the Houston RocketsHouston RocketsThe Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
as part of three-team deal (Denver acquired Mark BryantMark BryantMark Craig Bryant is a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1st round of the 1988 NBA Draft. Bryant played for 10 NBA teams during his career, averaging 5.4 ppg and appeared in the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals as a member of the Blazers...
, Art LongArt LongArthur Donnell Long is an American professional basketball player formerly in the NBA. A 6'9", 250 pound power forward out of the East High School and University of Cincinnati who also attended Independence Community Junior College, Dodge City Community College in Kansas and Southeastern...
and a future first-round draft pick from Philadelphia 76ersPhiladelphia 76ersThe Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
and a second-round draft pick from Houston; Philadelphia acquired Kenny Thomas from Houston). - August 9, 2003: Signed as a free agent by Memphis GrizzliesMemphis GrizzliesThe Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
. - August 3, 2005: Traded by Memphis to the Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
as part of five-team deal (Miami also acquired Jason Williams and Andre EmmettAndre EmmettAndre Emmett is an American professional basketball player.Emmett played college basketball for Bob Knight at Texas Tech University...
from Memphis, Antoine WalkerAntoine WalkerAntoine Devon Walker is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League...
from Boston CelticsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
and draft rights of Roberto DueñasRoberto DueñasRoberto Dueñas Hernandez is a retired Spanish basketball player. He was drafted with the last overall pick of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls but never played in the NBA. Dueñas played professionally with FC Barcelona from 1996-2005, during which time he won a Euroleague championship in...
from New Orleans Hornets; Memphis acquired Eddie JonesEddie Jones (basketball)Eddie Charles Jones is an American former professional basketball player. Jones played college basketball at Temple University and was the 1993–94 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year...
from Miami and Raúl LópezRaül LópezRaül López i Molist is a Spanish professional basketball player. He has previously played for the NBA's Utah Jazz. López is a native of Vic, Barcelona, in the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. At 6 ft 0 in tall, he plays the point guard position...
from Utah JazzUtah JazzThe Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
; New Orleans acquired Rasual ButlerRasual ButlerRasual Butler is an American professional basketball player who plays for CB Gran Canaria in Spain. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in the Point Breeze area of south Philadelphia.-La Salle:...
from Miami and Kirk SnyderKirk SnyderKirk Patrick Snyder is an American professional basketball player.-College:Having grown up in Upland, California, Snyder spent his college career at University of Nevada. In 2004, he led the Wolf Pack to its first Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. During that trip, they beat No. 2 seed Gonzaga and No...
from Utah; Boston acquired Qyntel WoodsQyntel WoodsQyntel Deon Woods is an American professional basketball player who plays for Maccabi Haifa B.C. in Israel...
, draft rights of Albert MirallesAlbert MirallesAlbert Miralles is a Spanish basketball player who was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the 2004 NBA Draft...
, two future second-round draft picks from Miami and Curtis BorchardtCurtis BorchardtCurtis Alan Borchardt is an American professional basketball player. He is a 7 ft 0 in tall center.-Amateur career:...
from Utah; Utah acquired Greg OstertagGreg OstertagGregory Donovan Ostertag is a retired American basketball player who spent most of his professional career with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association.- High School and College :...
from Memphis). - August 27, 2007: Signed as a free agent by Boston.
- July 23, 2008: Signed as a free agent by New Orleans.
- August 11, 2010: Traded to Indiana.
DUI
On April 9, 2007, Posey was arrested on a DUI charge and was taken to a Miami-Dade County Prison. However, Posey continued playing with the Heat and coach Pat RileyPat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
stated he would support Posey.
Posey was suspended for the opener of the 2007–08 season by NBA commissioner David Stern
David Stern
David Joel Stern is the commissioner of the National Basketball Association. He started with the Association in 1966 as an outside counsel, joined the NBA in 1978 as General Counsel, and became the league's Executive Vice President in 1980. He became Commissioner in 1984 succeeding Larry O'Brien...
after his no contest plea to reckless driving stemming from the DUI incident.
Incidents against Chicago Bulls
As a member of the Miami Heat, Posey had been involved in several controversial incidents with the Chicago Bulls.In Game 3 of the Chicago Bulls Miami Heat first round match Kirk Hinrich
Kirk Hinrich
Kirk James Hinrich is an American professional basketball player, currently a guard for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. He has also been a member of the USA National Team....
was moving down the court when Posey hit Hinrich with a hard shoulder block knocking Hinrich down to the floor, was called for a Flagrant-2 Foul, and was ejected from the game. When asked about the shot to Hinrich, Posey responded, "I was just trying to get back on defense and cut the ball off." "He didn't see me and that's how collisions happen. That's all it was." When asked if he thought Posey was looking for trouble, Hinrich said, "I don't know. Maybe he was. I guess he just wanted to make a hard foul. Sometimes that's part of the game." The shot would also lead to Posey getting suspended for 1 game.
In the season opener of the 2006–07 NBA season, Posey was involved with another incident with Bulls rookie Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Wayne Thomas is an American professional basketball player who played one season of college basketball at Louisiana State University and is a member of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.-High school career:...
, who was going for the rebound, was hit in the face by Posey which led to Thomas having his nose broken and missing a few games, and having to wear a protective mask for multiple games.
In this, his third incident with the Bulls at the United Center
United Center
The United Center is an indoor sports arena located in Chicago. It is named after its corporate sponsor, United Airlines. The United Center is home to both the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League...
, Posey was ejected from the game with 7:16 remaining in the fourth quarter on December 27, 2006. Luol Deng
Luol Deng
Luol Deng is a South Sudanese-British professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Chicago Bulls and the Great Britain national basketball team. He plays the small forward position.-Early life:...
, who attempted a layup, was fouled by Posey in mid-air. Deng fell hard on his wrist, which he had had surgery on just a year earlier, but it was not broken. Posey was called for a flagrant-2 foul and ejected. Posey was suspended for 1 game as a result of his infraction.
Personal
On March 24, 2008, Posey's girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl, Sai Aleke, in the Washington, D.C. areaWashington Metropolitan Area
The Washington Metropolitan Area is the metropolitan area centered on Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The area includes all of the federal district and parts of the U.S...
.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Denver
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team based in Denver, Colorado. They play in the National Basketball Association . They were founded as the Denver Rockets in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association, and became one of that league's more successful teams...
| 81 || 77 || 25.3 || .429 || .373 || .800 || 3.9 || 1.8 || 1.2 || .4 || 8.2
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Denver
| 82 || 82 || 27.5 || .412 || .300 || .816 || 5.3 || 2.0 || 1.1 || .5 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Denver
| 73 || 63 || 30.7 || .376 || .283 || .793 || 5.9 || 2.5 || 1.6 || .5 || 10.7
|-
| align="left" | 2002–03
| align="left" | Denver
Houston
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
| 25
58 || 24
47 || 34.9
28.4 || .373
.439 || .273
.326 || .843
.826 || 5.8
4.8 || 3.1
1.8 || 1.2
1.3 || .2
.2 || 14.1
9.3
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
| 82 || 82 || 29.9 || .478 || .386 || .830 || 4.9 || 1.5 || 1.7 || .5 || 13.7
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Memphis
| 50 || 18 || 27.6 || .357 || .309 || .865 || 4.4 || 1.8 || 1.0 || .5 || 8.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
| 67 || 63 || 28.6 || .403 || .403 || .787 || 4.8 || 1.3 || .8 || .3 || 7.2
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 71 || 19 || 27.0 || .431 || .375 || .827 || 5.0 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.7
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Boston
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
| 74 || 2 || 24.6 || .418 || .380 || .809 || 4.4 || 1.5 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.4
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 75 || 0 || 28.5 || .412 || .369 || .822 || 4.8 || 1.1 || .8 || .3 || 8.9
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 77 || 2 || 22.5 || .365 || .335 || .825 || 4.3 || 1.5 || .6 || .2 || 5.2
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| align="left" | Indiana
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 49 || 0 || 17.1 || .336 || .316 || .733 || 3.0 || .7 || .5 || .1 || 4.9
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 864 || 479 || 26.9 || .410 || .349 || .820 || 4.7 || 1.6 || 1.1 || .3 || 8.6
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2003–04
2004 NBA Playoffs
The 2004 NBA Playoffs were the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2003–04 season. Consisting of 16 teams in two conferences, the playoffs involved about two months of play. The playoffs were conducted in seven-game series, with the team with the better record holding home court...
| align="left" | Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The team is part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Along with the Toronto Raptors, the Grizzlies were established in 1995 as part of the NBA's...
| 4 || 4 || 32.5 || .405 || .167 || .905 || 5.5 || 1.0 || 2.2 || .5 || 12.5
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
2005 NBA Playoffs
The 2005 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2004–05 season.The San Antonio Spurs, the number two ranked team in the Western Conference, won the 2005 NBA Playoffs by defeating the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons, 4-3 in the NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Memphis
| 4 || 0 || 25.0 || .440 || .467 || .769 || 3.3 || 1.0 || .5 || .2 || 9.8
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Miami
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
| 22 || 1 || 27.5 || .430 || .422 || .730 || 5.7 || .9 || .8 || .1 || 7.3
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
2007 NBA Playoffs
The 2007 NBA Playoffs was the postseason to the National Basketball Association's 2006–2007 season.There were four rounds of postseason action, all of them in a best-of-seven format, with teams seeded on a bracket. The team with the better record wasn't necessarily the basis of seeding teams in...
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 1 || 34.8 || .385 || .316 || 1.000 || 7.8 || 1.5 || 2.0 || 1.2 || 7.8
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | Boston
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
| 26 || 0 || 22.0 || .437 || .398 || .875 || 3.6 || 1.1 || 1.0 || .3 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | New Orleans
| 5 || 0 || 24.6 || .375 || .263 || .846 || 6.2 || .6 || .6 || .0 || 11.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 65 || 6 || 25.7 || .421 || .387 || .831 || 4.8 || 1.0 || 1.0 || .3 || 7.9