Celts defense set to strike a Pose
James Posey is a different kind of dude. His mind isn’t wired like those of most NBA players. Where the majority dream of hot shooting nights and glory, Posey has something else in mind.
“My job is to play defense,” said the ninth-year swingman. “That’s what I do. I just want to be aggressive on the defensive end and change the game that way. I like trying to get in the way of the other team’s scorers and upset their game. I try to be a pain in the backside.”
The Celtics [team stats] finish their regular season requirements tonight against the Nets, and then it’s on to the playoffs, where Posey’s import to the operation is only expected to grow. When opponents try to ride their offensive horse in tight games, Posey will seek to be the equivalent of the glue factory.
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce [stats] and Ray Allen will still attract the attention, but their postseason success is in Posey’s hands, as well.
“He’s going to be huge for us in the playoffs, even more important than he already is for us, which is a lot,” said C’s coach Doc Rivers, who has noted on more than one occasion that he didn’t realize Posey would be this good an acquisition. “He’s been through it before, and he knows what to do. You can’t put a price on that, and he just knows how to play. You can put him in different spots. He gives us great versatility.
“Pose is just a great role player. He’s a perfect guy. I’d say he’s the unsung hero of our basketball team. He makes big shots by nature. He’s a great leader. He says the right things in timeouts and during the game. He does everything the right way. I could go on and on.”
Posey has proven himself a streaky shooter, but his defensive abilities show up every night.
“Pose can affect both ends of the floor,” said Allen. “In each round of the playoffs, you face different nuances with certain teams. He gives us the option to switch it around. He’s somewhat of a chameleon.’
Indeed, the same guy who bounds off the bench and yells, “We got Ticket,” referring to a Garnett hoop, can be rather reticent about his own game.
“I know my role,” Posey said. “I just want to be consistent in that. I’m here to play defense. When the other opportunities come, I just try to take advantage of them. I’m always thinking defense first. Even when I’m watching, I’m yelling for guys to step in and take the charge. When I’m getting ready to go in the game, I’m thinking about knowing my rotations, so I don’t give up a shot.”
The mindset took root early.
“Growing up, I always liked playing both ends of the floor,” he said. “It was never just about scoring for me. I knew if I could be a factor at both ends, then I was going to be out there longer. It’s just about wanting to play, and I think that’s how the game is supposed to be played. You should want to play both ends. If you can put the ball in the basket, you should be able to defend and get stops. Now that I’m here, I just want to make things lighter on our starters. When I come in the game, I see who our guys are guarding. If Ray has a tough matchup, I’ll tell him to let me get that. Let me toss him around a little bit so he doesn’t have to chase him off screens. We want our scorers to be fresh for the offensive end.
“I’ll look for that with Paul, too, and even Ticket. There were a couple of times this year when he was in foul trouble and I told him to let me take his guy for a while. That way we know he’s going to be in the game down the stretch. You have to take care of your guys like that.”
Celtics notes
You might want to make sure you’re in your seat early tonight if you want to see any of the Big Three. Rivers expects to play them limited minutes.
Pierce, Garnett and Allen all sat out Monday’s win in New York. . . .
After playing 41 minutes against the Knicks, Rajon Rondo [stats] may not play at all tonight, according to Rivers, who would like to get more playing time for Sam Cassell.
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