Bill Burt

Sans the national venom, Doc Rivers found out this week what it's like to be his friend, Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

A key cog from the championship team was snatched for more money from another team.

James Posey, the Celtics posterboy this season was plucked by the New Orleans Hornets for a cool $25 million over four years.

"Now I know how Bill feels," said Rivers. "And it's not all good."

Posey was the hard-sell Celtics general manager Danny Ainge and Rivers put on owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca last August.

He was the veteran the Celtics brass felt they needed, beyond the Big Three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, to put them over the top.

"There's no doubt we will miss him," said Rivers, from his Orlando home. "James was not only a very good player for us, but he was great guy, a real pro. I really like James."

While Posey's defense, especially his ability to cover three or four different positions — which included superstars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, as well as big forwards like Piston Rasheed Wallace and Laker Lamar Odom — will be missed, his long-range shooting won't be forgotten either.

"There aren't a lot of guys that can hit 3-point shots like he can," said Rivers. "He didn't always hit a lot of them, but he had a lot of big ones."

But the Celtics would not go beyond three years on a new contract. Reportedly, that was a mandate from up above and frankly, you can't blame them.

Posey will be 35 when that contract expires.

That's where the Belichick angle comes in. During his dynasty, the Patriots lost key cogs in Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Adam Vinatieri and Deion Branch (he was traded) to bigger contracts.

Heck, people are wondering how Belichick will replace cornerback Asante Samuel, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for $57 million, $20 million of which was guaranteed.

Rivers will have to find a way, with help from Ainge, to make up for it.

As of July 18, there are no answers. Yet.

"There's still time, but there aren't a lot of free agents left," said Rivers, referring to potential fill-ins like Corey Maggette, who inked a 5-year, $50 million with the Golden State Warriors.

"There are a few guys we are still looking at. But ... "

One possible replacement, at least on the defensive end, might already be on the Celtics roster. First round draft choice J.R. Giddens, out of New Mexico, who like Posey, is quick with long arms.

"J.R. might be able to help us right away on the defensive end," said Rivers. "But with rookies you never know. Just because a guy looks good at a summer camp, doesn't mean he can do it against NBA veterans."

On the same day Posey's signing with the Hornets was announced, the Celtics officially signed ex-Warrior Patrick O'Bryant.

The seven-foot O'Bryant, though, is being sought as a possible replacement for P.J. Brown.

The ninth overall pick in 2006, averaged only 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last season.

"My three assistants all really pushed for us to get him," said Rivers. "He's got a lot of length. He needs a lot of work, but our guys feel he can play in this league."

For now, though, the pressure is on Rivers and the Celtics, which will probably be favorites to get to the NBA finals again, if not win.

"When you win a championship, other teams want your players. And your players, especially the free agents, usually want more money," said Rivers. "I wish James Posey well. He really helped us out and was very important to our season."

As for Belichick, it might be time to ask for a little advice on reloading when it doesn't look like there's many bullets available.

New England fans don't want excuses. They want championships.

E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.