The Hornets made James Posey an offer he couldn't refuse when they offered him $7 million for his fourth year.

With the Celtics unwilling to offer more than three years at the full midlevel exception, the Hornets offered the 31-year-old swingman four years at a total of $25 million. The final year, which projects at some $7 million with the yearly allowable raises, became the key.

"As a player, you don't get to this forever," said Mark Bartelstein, Posey's agent. "Seven million is a lot on money. James has done well and made a good living, but he's never made the kind of money that would give him financial security for life. This was a very important contract for him."

Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes during the regular season and dropped slightly to 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22.0 minutes in the playoffs. But his contributions were more timely than the numbers would suggest. He was generally on the floor during crunch time.

Posey is a perfect addition to the Hornets, a franchise contending for a championship. He can shoot the three, crash the boards, but the main thing he brings to the Hornets is experience. Despite averaging only 9.2 points in his nine-year career, he has won more championships than the entire Hornets roster combined. The only other Hornet with a ring is Melvin Ely, who was a member of the 2007-07 Spurs, but didn't play in the Finals.

Posey will likely start at shooting guard alongside Chris Paul, David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler.

The combination of Hilton Armstrong and Bobby Brown were too strong for the Clippers as they guided the Hornets to an 80-76 overtime victory on Thursday at the NBA Summer League.

Armstrong, a third-year forward, led the way with 25 points and 8 rebounds while Brown scored 17 points and 6 assists, In the extra two-n\minute period, Brown took care of business with a jumper and two free throws.

"I feel like this has been a great week for me," said Brown, "I've been on this Hornets team with great players, especially with Hilton and Julian Wright and all the great coaches, and I've tried to go out and do the same thing I've done every night -- play hard."

The Hornets play the Cavaliers on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Brown scored 15 points with 8 assists in a 76-58 win over the Spurs. His best play was an Alley Oop pass to Wright, who played his best game with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. However, Wright hasn't that impressive to Ben Couch, who covers the Summer League for the NBA Web site. "Maybe I haven't been watching closely enough, but Wright just seems to be a little too casual. I expected him to be a cut above the others like this talented second-year brethren:

SOME HITHER, OTHERS YON: There are only a handful of teams that make a run at the Super Bowl each season  Michael Lombardi Sports Elevated sees the Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Giants, Packers and Seahawks making the playoffs and he sees the Saints, Bills and Eagles joining them in postseason play. Writes Lombardi, a well-traveled NFL executive: "The Saints have improved this offseason. With a Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees, and a schedule that has them playing the AFC West and the NFC North, I really like the Saints' chances to take over the NFC South from the Buccaneers. The Saints know how to score points. When they can play with a lead like the did in 2006, they can become very dangerous. In 2006, the Saints had a plus-66 point differential in first-half points scored and allowed. In 2007, that margin was only 10. This year, they don't have to deal with the rugged opening schedule that was the result of their remarkable 2006 run. Brees will not be able to start the year as he did in '07, throwing nine interceptions and only one touchdown in the first four games. My only concern is that the Saints need to find a big back between and the end of the preseason. Once they add this player to their offense, they will be tough to slow down. Add the Saints to the playoff roster."...

One member of the media has tagged Brett Favre "The Mississippi Hickey." Favre was honored for Best Record Breaking Performance the other night at the ESPY awards in LA. He snapped Dan Marino's record for most career touchdown passes. When he received the award, Favre was shown a video of his accomplishments. "Watching this makes me want to play again," said Favre with a smile. Earlier, host Justin Timberlake asked Favre, :What have you been up to lately? I haven;t seen you anywhere. Just chill'? Yeah, me, too."...Eli Manning's pass to David Tyree in the Super Bowl was the Best Play of the Year at the ESPYs, which will be televised on Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. My time is up. Ed Staton can be reached at edcoachstaton@yahoo.com.