On this day in Boston Celtics history, August 28, 2007, the team made a pivotal move by signing forward James Posey as a free agent, bolstering their roster with a versatile veteran to complement the blockbuster acquisitions of future Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. This signing marked a key moment in the dawn of the Celtics’ iconic “Ubuntu” era, setting the stage for their 2008 championship run. Meanwhile, today also celebrates the birthday of another Celtics alum, Jeff Green, whose unique journey with the team adds an intriguing twist to this day in Celtics lore.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, James Posey brought a wealth of experience to Boston. A Xavier University standout, Posey was selected 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 NBA Draft. Before joining the Celtics, the 6-foot-8 forward showcased his defensive tenacity and clutch shooting with the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Miami Heat. His two-year, $6.67 million contract with Boston—complete with a player option for the second year—proved to be a masterstroke for a team eyeing a title.
Posey’s impact was immediate. Averaging 7.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, he provided critical depth on the wing, locking down opponents and hitting timely threes. His grit and hustle embodied the Ubuntu spirit, helping the Celtics secure their 17th championship in 2008. However, Posey’s hopes of returning to Boston were dashed when he priced himself out of the team’s budget, opting instead to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans in free agency. Though his time in green was brief, Posey’s contributions remain etched in Celtics history.
August 28 also marks the birthday of former Celtic Jeff Green, born in 1986 in Cheverly, Maryland. Drafted fifth overall by Boston in 2007 after a stellar career at Georgetown, Green’s journey with the Celtics took a winding path. Initially traded to the Seattle Supersonics in the deal that brought Ray Allen to Boston, Green returned to the Celtics in 2011 alongside Nenad Krstic in a trade for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. Over four seasons with Boston, Green averaged an impressive 14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a forward.
Green’s time in Boston wasn’t without challenges. He took a season off to address a potentially life-threatening heart condition, a testament to his resilience. His return to the court demonstrated his determination and skill, making him a fan favorite during his tenure.
August 28 stands as a significant date for Celtics fans, intertwining the signing of James Posey—a key piece of the 2008 championship puzzle—with the birthday of Jeff Green, whose heart and hustle left an indelible mark on the franchise. Together, their stories remind us of the grit, sacrifice, and talent that define the Celtics’ storied legacy.