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Greatest Memphis Grizzlies Of All-Time: James Posey

By Brendan Smart

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 7: James Posey #41 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks during the game against the New York Knicks at FedExForum on December 7, 2004 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies won 96-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 7: James Posey #41 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks during the game against the New York Knicks at FedExForum on December 7, 2004 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies won 96-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Former Memphis Grizzlies forward James Posey only spent two seasons with the city of Memphis, but his effect on the franchise has him at number 11 on our ‘Greatest Grizzlies’ list.

James Posey was one of the first Memphis Grizzlies I knew about and really cheered for every night. Posey had all of the intangibles that grew a good fan base while he was in the city of Memphis. He pushed the uniform to be better, and never was consistent with the color of the headband/wrist band combination. Then, he would drop 30 points on his opponents and be like a silent assassin. Posey is a Grizzlies All-Time favorite for many fans still to this day.

Posey was a gifted scorer, and in his time in Memphis he showed the Grizzlies just what he could bring on a nightly basis.  Posey was like Memphis’ first “three and D,” player. Get you buckets offensively while locking down his opponents on the defensive end.

Posey did it all and out of the six other franchises Posey played for, his best seasons where in Memphis for those two seasons.

Per Game Table
SeasonTmLgPosGFGFGAFG%3P%FT%TRBSTLPTS
2003-04MEMNBASG824.59.4.478.386.8304.91.713.7
2004-05MEMNBASF502.57.1.357.309.8654.41.08.1
CareerNBA8642.97.0.410.349.8204.71.18.6
2 seasonsMEMNBA1323.88.5.440.357.8394.71.411.6

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

It seems to be a trend for players who come through the city of Memphis, and have career years before going off to another team, and not finding their way again. Not saying Posey’s situation was that dramatic, but he had a huge role in Memphis’ success for two seasons, and then left for South Beach in the 2005 offseason. Posey would go on to win a NBA Championship the year after his departure with the Heat.

Posey now is an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and took home another title in 2016 when the Cavaliers took down the Golden State Warriors.

Next. Greatest Memphis Grizzlies Of All-Time: Mike Bibby. dark

No doubt Posey’s time in Memphis was short lived, but his overall effect on the franchise during those two seasons were unlike many, and his effect on me as a youngster helped push me over the top as a Grizzlies fan.

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