James Posey – stellar defender, 3-point jacker and apparently, the kind of guy who likes to give himself a champagne facial – has inked a lucrative 4-year, $25 million deal with the Hornets. Just yesterday, we were dubious about the chances of New Orleans duplicating its 56-win season this winter … and Posey’s just the right piece to help.

Champs? It’s not out of the realm. This much is certain: In game seven of the conference semis, Manu went for 26 points and got to the line 11 times against a variety of mediocre defenders. The Spurs stole the series in the Hive. In the rematch next postseason, Posey will be in Manu’s jersey. Financially, it’s not the wisest move, but the Hornets seem to think they have the Championship pieces in place for a title run next year, so why not?

How will this loss affect Boston? Rookie Bill Walker can’t shoot like Posey can, but eventually, he could be a defensive menace. And we hate to do something silly like say the Celtics won’t repeat next year – especially because they lost a single-digit scorer who was a reserve – but it’s not happening.