James Posey is joining the ranks of the NBA D-League, though it won't be to jumpstart any sort of NBA comeback. Instead, the two-time NBA champion will join the Canton Charge as an assistant under new head coach Steve Hetzel.
As per the Canton Charge:
James Posey has been added as an assistant to Canton Charge Head Coach Steve Hetzel's staff for the 2013-14 NBA Development League season, the Cavaliers announced today.
"James is a proven winner who will be a valuable asset for Coach Hetzel and our organization this season," said Cavaliers Director Development League Operations Mike Gansey. "He enjoyed a long, productive NBA career and his experiences will be valuable teachings to our players."
Posey, 36, was a first round draft choice (18th overall) by Denver in 1999 and played 12 seasons in the NBA for six different teams. In 864 career games (479 starts), he averaged 8.6 points on .410 shooting with 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 26.9 minutes per game. He is a two-time NBA Champion, once with the Miami Heat (2005-06) and once with the Boston Celtics (2007-08), and has played in 65 career postseason games.
"James will be a relatable presence who can give our players direct examples of experiences and insight from what we will be coaching them," said Hetzel. "I'm extremely excited he is going to be with us this season and really look forward to getting started with him."
A native of Twinsburg, Ohio, Posey played collegiately at Xavier University from 1996-99. In 95 career games for the Musketeers, he averaged 15.3 points on .527 shooting with 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.7 assists in 30.7 minutes per game.
Of course, Posey spoke exclusively with RidiculousUpside.com while working at the NBADL's national tryout in New York City this summer, and expressed his interest in joining the coaching ranks. In doing so, he not only endorsed the D-League as a league, but also insisted he'd be open to working there as he dove into the next stage of his career.
Earlier in the offseason, Posey was reportedly up for consideration for an assistant coaching post with the Boston Celtics, though that job seemingly went to Walter McCarty, instead.
A native of Twinsberg, Ohio, Posey will undoubtedly return to somewhat familiar stomping grounds as he begins working in Canton.