Report: Celtics considering James Posey as an assistant coach

Five years after he helped lead the Celtics to their only title since 1986, James Posey may be coming home. According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Posey may join the Celtics — as an assistant coach. Here's ESPN's Chris Forsberg discussing the possibility.

James Posey, a beloved member of the Boston Celtics' 2008 championship team, is a candidate fill out Brad Stevens' coaching staff, a source told ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman.

Stevens built his staff initially by bringing in Ron Adams, a longtime NBA assistant, and Micah Shrewsberry, one of his former assistants at Butler. With a potential desire to add an ex-player to his staff, the 36-year-old Posey is an intriguing option given his ties to the organization and his recent entry into the coaching world. Boston also retained assistant coaches Jay Larranaga and Jamie Young from the Doc Rivers regime.

Posey signed with Boston in August of 2007 and was a key role player (and pregame hugger/hand-shaker) on that title squad. He played only one season here, opting out after 2008 and cashing in with the New Orleans Hornets, but he was mobbed by his teammates when he returned to TD Garden the following season and received his championship ring.

The Indiana Pacers used their amnesty clause on Posey in December 2011, effectively ending his playing career. Posey spent this past summer as an assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Las Vegas summer league.

The Celtics have benefitted from having a former player on their roster in recent seasons, often utilizing Tyronn Lue as a practice body and someone who could give hands-on training to younger players.

I was unaware that Posey had taken up coaching, but this makes some sense from the Celtics perspective. After all, even if Brad Stevens is the homerun we all hope we will be, he's not a former player. And it's always good to have one of those around to relate to the players, and to serve as a liaison between the coaching staff and the team.

I can't say that I know much about Posey the coach. But I can tell you that I loved Posey the player. A defensive ace who took, and made, countless big shots for the 2008 Celtics, Posey was the type of guy that every team wants. He won two titles as a player (also winning with the 2006 Heat), playing 12 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 2011.

It would also be cool if Posey made his interest clear after receiving Stevens' letter that he sent to all the players. Would love to see that letter make a tangible impact on the team.

Follow Mike on twitter - Mike_Dyer13