James Posey & Paul Pierce (Boston Herald Photo)
Paul Pierce is back in town to run his basketball camp at Basketball City this week. One of the things he’s got planned… is calling James Posey to hopefully convince him to come back.
“When I talk to him, I’m going to let him know that – the significance of being a Boston Celtic even after basketball. Hopefully I can convince him to come back for whatever the offer we’re giving him. I don’t really know the offer that (director of basketball operations) Danny (Ainge) and them are talking about. I know it’s less than the mid-level and I know there’s teams out there probably trying to give him the mid-level.”
But Pierce also seems to understand Posey’s side of things:
“You’ve got to understand the position ‘Pose’ is in. I mean, he’s 31 years old, and this is probably going to be the last contract he’s going to get, so I guess he’s looking for a little extra security – maybe a little more than we’re willing to give him. But hopefully we can retain him and he can look at what we offer him as a sense of security.”
Another thing Pierce will take care of when Pierce is in town… his knee:
“I’ve still got some soreness in it, so hopefully it’s nothing major where I’ll require surgery,” he said. “I’m just going to get an MRI while I’m in town. I doubt if I need any surgery just based on it’s getting better and better. I’m going to get the MRI just to take the precaution. A sprain usually takes about three of four weeks, and it’s been about that. I’ve been icing it here and there.”
There have been people who have openly questioned why Pierce hasn’t gotten an MRI. As odd as it sounds, I hope it reveals something just so everyone can shut the hell up about it. Nothing serious… nothing that needs surgery… just some concrete evidence that finally quiets the whispers.
lobby hard captain, lobby hard
Posey LA will be waiting for you we welcome you with open arms if you do choose to come to LA
Paul’s a max-contract guy, so of course the “intangibles” of being a Celtic come into play. Po-Z has to maximize his value here. At best, it will take him 5 years to earn what Pierce makes in 2. The C’s will need to ante up to keep Pose; no amount of lobbying is going to change that.
JTB you donkey, the intangibles of being a Celtic mean you’re a Celtic for life. You’re recognized as a Celtic. You’re appreciated every time you come to town. You go to the games, you hang around the practice arena, you help the new generation of Celtics, they look up to you and the banner you put up. Poz-E’s not getting max money. It’s essentially the same here or elsewhere. Hopefully the “intangibles” of playing in Boston instead of Utah or Milwaukee keep him here.
we need him as much as pierce,garnett,and allen. He’s is a
key leader to this team. He has more value than just money
to this team. Please ainge sign him I beg you!
Have faith in Ainge, if he can make the numbers work I’m sure he’ll get Posey what he needs. Ajay, shouldn’t you be on your own blog lobbying Kupchak to keep vucajac or what ever the hell his name is..uh..you know..Ray Allens bitch from game 4?
Sorry, but the intangibles of being a Celtic is worth 5 figures max. I love him in green but dude needs to look out for himself.
Agreed Dave. This is his best chance to cash in somewhere. How often is the last contract of your career the biggest one?
What people don’t realize is that he’ll stop playing at 36 or 37 years old. Then he might have another 50 years of life to live…. and not everyone can go into TV or Radio. He’s go to make enough money to set himself up for LIFE. He’s not KG or Pierce… who are already in that position. And extra $5-7 million is a big deal to a guy like him.
The actual difference from what the Celtics currently have on the table and what he could expect to receive on the open market is more like $12-18 million.
Even more reason to bolt.
About Paul’s MRI: The guy didn’t fake the knee injury. He tweaked it, got scared, had to be wheelchaired into the locker room and when he realized that he was in the NBA Finals for the first time, he gave it a go and found out he was okay enough to play the series. Placebo and adrenalin had a lot to do with it. As for not getting the MRI, he probably didn’t want to get any news that said he couldn’t play no matter, how hard he lobbied Doc and the doctors. I mean, KG wanted to play and Doc said no in the regular season. So Paul decided against even getting the MRI. That’s my take.
but why wouldn’t he get an MRI like the day after the finals?I dong think he was faking, I just think its dumb to be casual about it. I mean, perk already had surgery. Paul is a franchise player. Doesn’t it seem like danny would be all over him to get it checked out?
oh, and as for posey. This isn’t about setting himself up for life, let’s ne realistic. If these guys were to live modestly and invest wisely then most players would be set for life pretty early in their careers. There’s no rule saying you have to live in a $5 million house or buy exotic cars. One or two years at the mle would have me set for life, even after taxes.
Sorry for the typos–typing on iPhone.
heh heh… you said “dong”