Truth & Rumors > NBA

Can O'Neal rehab his career?

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Two months from his 30th birthday, Jermaine O'Neal has spent the most important summer of his 12-year career rehabbing from the persistent knee injuries that threaten his basketball future. "The fact is, I played on one leg for two years," says O'Neal, whose averages shrank to 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 42 games last season after he reinjured his knee in 2006-07. "You hear people say that you slowed down, that you don't have it anymore -- but you know that you still have it. All the naysayers who are saying that I lost a step, they'll get a full dosage of me next year." If O'Neal can approach the form that made him a six-time All-Star, his trade to Toronto could prove to be the most significant off-season move in the East. True, Philadelphia signed free-agent power forward Elton Brand last month, but the 76ers still lack shooting and experience. The Raptors, on the other hand, are coming off two straight postseason appearances and retain All-Star power forward (not to mention U.S. Olympian) Chris Bosh, emerging point guard Jose Calderon and a slew of outside threats. They view O'Neal -- the marquee name in the six-player trade that sent point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, forward Maceo Baston and first-round draft pick Roy Hibbert to Indiana last month -- as the piece that could allow them to challenge the Boston Celtics.

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Jermaine O'Neal, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Jermaine O'Neal, Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
August 21, 2008  07:09 AM ET

How can you "still have it" if your knee(s) are shot? Reality check. Your now a part timer, get used to it.

August 21, 2008  07:12 AM ET

Not reallt, unless he gets with some guys that know how to play the game...only then will he appear to be back at the level he was at before which was sorta like minor star on a team that sorta sucks.

August 21, 2008  07:14 AM ET

Knees are shot.. it is a shame.. wishful thinkling on his part.

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August 21, 2008  07:36 AM ET

good bye both oneals

August 21, 2008  07:49 AM ET

Jermaine doesn't have to be a beast to make Toronto much better. If he comes in and averages 15/10, he'll make that club much better just because of his presence on the interior, something the Raptors haven't had since Antonio Davis. Bosh and O'Neal are as good as any front-court duo in the East. Toss in the fact that Bargnani can return to his natural position instead of the ridiculous experiment at center, the Raps will be much better.

August 21, 2008  08:11 AM ET

He was a crybaby and under achiever even with good knees.

August 21, 2008  08:13 AM ET

Help them be a threat to who? The Celtics? Are you people fricking serious?!

August 21, 2008  08:21 AM ET

He is getting old and too injured especially the knees. The main thins is that he got the money. He got paid handsomely no matter what. It's really up to him now. He needs to show that he can still play. If he doesn't then the Raptors are screwed because he is getting paid too high. I believe his salary is in the range of 18-22 million a year. That's too high for somebody who will not be able to help if he does not perform to his potential.

He has so much to prove. But if you got the money then maybe he does not have anything to prove anymore. These are the chances of signing fat contracts and in long terms.

August 21, 2008  08:37 AM ET

He should have tried harder... he might have had a chance at a ring if he came to Boston... but he sure isn't going through Boston to get one

August 21, 2008  08:37 AM ET

"He was a crybaby and under achiever even with good knees"

you cannot say that a 20 & 10 player is an 'underachiever'
He has been hurt- may or may not get back, but you cannot poo poo what he did before getting hurt.
He is a CENTER. He is not a ball handler or distributer that has the game in his hands..... and he had Jamal Tinsley to work with - a fat lazy dog.

I really think that if healthy- he will gt back to being a force and it will allow bosh to flourish

August 21, 2008  09:26 AM ET

IF all the haters actually read the article AND all the other indications out there, his knees are healthy again. He has been rehabing it for a while now. This year he has something to prove, next year he's in a contract year. This bodes well for the raptors as you have a guy who is very competitive player who has clear incentives to perform. This is a good situation, can't wait for the season... All we need is for his to be in the 17-14 point range and just under 10 boards ....Toronto has sooooo many shooters it is ridiculous ....... Calderon, Parker and Kapono = ALL + 43% from 3's NO ONE else in the east can say that..

August 21, 2008  09:40 AM ET

As much as I hate to put my trust in O'Neal, AGAIN, I think that JO is going to have a good season with the Raptors.

It's a new environment for him and a totally new challenge. It's also a contract year, so he might be motivated for the entire 7 months come November.

The big question is can he stay healthy? The guy's knees are made of foam. Good luck, JO.

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August 21, 2008  09:49 AM ET

both o'neals suck and hurt their team by taking up CAP space.

August 21, 2008  09:59 AM ET

The player formerly known as Jermaine O'Neal is DONE. Doctors can't seem to find what the problem is, therefore they can't correct it. His knees are not going to suddenly get well after 2 years. Larry Bird fleeced Toronto. If O'Neal were expected to come back at 100%, he wouldn't have been available.

August 21, 2008  10:01 AM ET

He is done. He sucks and so do the Raptors.

August 21, 2008  10:03 AM ET

I don't think he'll return to All-Star form, but I don't think he has to to be effective.

If he can get 12 to 15ppg and 6 to 8rpg that will be enough with Bosh on the team.

August 21, 2008  10:10 AM ET

haha b/iitchboy so bitter all the time........... define "sucks" .......... making the playoffs?,.... your a hater............because your teams actually does suck and has no chance of making the playoffs.... saying "he is done. he sucks and so do the raptors" is jus straight up ignorant.... ill be heckling you all year when JO is performing...haha bitter unemployed hater bertchboy... all you do is write on this blog all day.....and hate... you no nothing

 
August 21, 2008  10:19 AM ET

That is hilarious......the Raptors a threat to Boston?? Give me a break

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