Washington Wizards hire James Posey as assistant coach

The Washington Wizards are planning to hire James Posey as an assistant coach on Wes Unseld Jr.’s staff, sources confirm to Basketball News.

Posey will return to the NBA sidelines for the first time since 2019, when he ended a six-season tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers as an assistant coach. In Cleveland, Posey worked closely with head coach Tyronn Lue and played a pivotal role in the Cavs’ four-straight Finals appearances, including the team’s championship run in 2016.

Last season, Posey served as an assistant coach under Tina Thompson with the University of Virginia women’s basketball program. He also coached NBA Draft prospects at the Tampa Bay Pro Combine over the last two years, going undefeated in back-to-back years.

Prior to coaching, Posey played 12 seasons in the NBA and won two championships as a player – with the Miami Heat in 2006 and Boston Celtics in 2008. 

In addition to the Heat and Celtics, Posey had stints with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets and Indiana Pacers. Over the course of his career, he averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 threes and 1.1 steals across 864 games.

In recent years, Posey has also had success in the media space, becoming a podcast host and columnist with Basketball News. His podcast ("The Posecast") features great conversations with notable guests such as Ray Allen, Clyde Drexler, David West, Antoine Walker, Zach Randolph, Chamique Holdsclaw, Charles Oakley, Bonzi Wells and more.