Posey says he wants to return to Celtics

Chas Says: We Really could have used him...but we always got somebody that got to punk out....Im Out.

James Posey and Eddie House, key reserves in the Celtics' NBA championship run last season, last night expressed a desire to remain with the team, in their first public comments regarding free agency.

"That's my No. 1 choice," said Posey. "I've stressed that to the organization and to everybody. At the same time, I'm still waiting. So we'll see what's going to happen."

House and Posey were interviewed before a screening of a highlight DVD of the Celtics' season at TD Banknorth Garden.

Posey played down the possibility of returning to Cleveland, his hometown, though an NBA source said the Cavaliers might up the ante in an effort to get a talented player to aid LeBron James. Other teams interested in Posey include Detroit, New Orleans, Washington, and the Lakers. Mark Bartelstein, who represents both Posey and House, hoped to have something in place yesterday, but he said there was nothing new with either client. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge greeted Posey last night but said there was no news on the situation.