mrspurs
07-17-2008, 08:56 AM
The Hornets' weakness was an inconsistent bench.
Posey, meanwhile, averaged 22 minutes of playing time during Boston's playoff run, scoring 6.7 points and grabbing 3.6 rebounds per game. Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season, his 10th in the NBA.
Shortly before the draft, the Hornets traded away their only selection, the 27th overall pick, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for $3 million in cash with the stated purpose of using that money toward a proven player in free agency who could help them win right away.
The Hornets inquired about several free agents, including Corey Maggette, Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes, but as those players signed with other teams it was clear that Posey was the player the Hornets' coveted most.
With the money they received from Portland, combined with the savings that came from not having to shell out guaranteed money to a first-round draft pick, the Hornets were able to offer a generous enough deal to bring Posey to New Orleans.
With the Hornets, Posey could compete for a starting role as coach Byron Scott could move Peja Stojakovic from small forward to shooting guard and send Morris Peterson to the bench.
However, Scott may prefer to keep Posey as a sixth man, a role sometimes as important as starting.
Posey, meanwhile, averaged 22 minutes of playing time during Boston's playoff run, scoring 6.7 points and grabbing 3.6 rebounds per game. Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds during the regular season, his 10th in the NBA.
Shortly before the draft, the Hornets traded away their only selection, the 27th overall pick, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for $3 million in cash with the stated purpose of using that money toward a proven player in free agency who could help them win right away.
The Hornets inquired about several free agents, including Corey Maggette, Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes, but as those players signed with other teams it was clear that Posey was the player the Hornets' coveted most.
With the money they received from Portland, combined with the savings that came from not having to shell out guaranteed money to a first-round draft pick, the Hornets were able to offer a generous enough deal to bring Posey to New Orleans.
With the Hornets, Posey could compete for a starting role as coach Byron Scott could move Peja Stojakovic from small forward to shooting guard and send Morris Peterson to the bench.
However, Scott may prefer to keep Posey as a sixth man, a role sometimes as important as starting.