Hole truth: Brown a major loss

Red Sox Kevin Youkilis got cheers when he temporarily wore Lucky the mascot's hat after aiding him on a trampoline dunk. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)

Two NBA championship rings went unclaimed last night during the pregame ceremony at TD Banknorth Garden. James Posey was in the Bay area with the New Orleans Hornets, who open their season tonight against Golden State. And P.J. Brown decided not to come to Boston because of a "family situation," according to the Celtics.

There have been many questions about how the Celtics will deal with the loss of Posey. But in the end, having to replace Brown could be an even bigger issue.

"Posey averaged 6 points, 3 rebounds," Kendrick Perkins said. "That ain't hard [to replace]. But P.J. brought that tenacity. Posey took some charges and stuff. But we needed P.J. just as much as we needed Posey."

Brown was relaxing in Slidell, La., with his wife and three kids during last season's All-Star Weekend when Paul Pierce and Ray Allen made a sales pitch to him to come back to work in Boston. Pierce and Allen knew the Celtics desperately needed veteran help behind Perkins and Kevin Garnett. On Feb. 27, the forward signed up for the rest of the season.

Brown didn't make much noise toward the end of the regular season. But during the playoffs, the 6-foot-11-inch, 239-pounder hit a huge jumper that sealed a Game 7 victory over the Cavaliers, and he made several key offensive and defensive plays during the rest of the postseason.

Asked why Brown isn't talked about as much as Posey, Celtics president Danny Ainge said, "P.J. was a contributor in the playoffs. He didn't have as much to contribute in regards to our 66 wins. Maybe that's why. We acknowledge what he was for us. We know he was important in a lot of ways. He hit maybe the biggest shot of the season in our win over Cleveland."

While in Boston, Brown said time and time again that he would decide his basketball future during the offseason. The Celtics talked to Brown during their short summer to see if he was interested in returning, but he gave them the impression that he probably has unlaced his sneakers for good.

Brown has not returned several phone calls seeking interviews. Hornets coach Byron Scott bumped into Brown at a mall in New Orleans last weekend and said Brown seemed content enjoying family life. Agent Mark Bartelstein, who has represented Brown in recent years, also didn't sound optimistic about a return.

"I don't think so," said Bartelstein. "Right now his mind is not on playing. It's with his family."

Ainge knows Brown is tough to replace. But before he goes looking at free agents or makes a trade, he wants to give big men Leon Powe, Glen Davis, and Patrick O'Bryant a chance. Problem is, none of them has the length, defensive ability, experience, poise, and a mid-range jumper that Brown has.

"I just want to see what we have and how our guys play," Ainge said. "Last year we had questions at point guard and backup forward. I'm a firm believer in giving people a chance instead of officially filling possible holes before the season."

If things don't work out with Powe, Davis, or O'Bryant, don't be surprised if Ainge calls Brown. The Hornets, whom Brown also has played for, could have interest, too.

"Hopefully, he'll be back," said Perkins, who is about as close to Brown as any Celtic. "He needs to think about it and come back and help us again. P.J., I think we need him. He gives us some veteran leadership and another good center for our team. He was a good addition for us.

"I can see him coming back to us, but I can't see him being a Hornet, though. He'd feel welcome over here. We've been through the trenches together. He'll want to come this way."

There have been rumors that the Celtics could have interest in Robert Horry, a free agent who has made countless big shots in the postseason and is a seven-time NBA champion.

Horry, however, took a verbal shot at Brown last season, saying he joined the Celtics late to win a title. Horry also threw a towel in Ainge's face when Ainge was coaching in Phoenix.

Ainge said he hasn't spoken to Horry about coming to Boston. But Horry's former Houston teammate, Sam Cassell, has talked to "Big Shot Bob" about joining him here.

"It's a possibility," Cassell said. "It wouldn't be bad. The one thing he has is experience. I mentioned it to him. He's chilling. He's working out. He's enjoying his time off now. Robert has a lot of wear and tear on his body, seven championships.

"I can see him playing again. Where? I don't know."

The Celtics know what Brown can do for them. But considering that Brown is nearly 40, is making up for lost time with his children, and can go into the sunset with an NBA championship, it would be tough persuading him to return to Boston.

But keep in mind that just before All-Star Weekend this season, the Celtics make a trip to New Orleans. So if things don't work out with the backup big men, don't be surprised if Pierce and Allen drive around Lake Pontchartrain to Slidell.

Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com