Thursday June 26 2008 - 9:10am Eastern
Are there question marks about the acquisition of Jermaine O’Neal?
Absolutely.
But do the pros outweigh the cons?
In my eyes, absolutely.
O’Neal is coming off two seasons marred by bumps, bruises, major injuries, surgery, and rehab. Some are wondering if he has any of that “All Star talent” left in him that he displayed in a 4-5 years stretch with the Pacers that saw him evolve into (pretty much) a 20 and 10 guy. He was one of the most dominant big men in the NBA.
O’Neal missed 40 games last year - mostly due to a left knee injury (torn meniscus). His rehabilitation didn’t go well and it certainly hindered his return to the flow. But so too did his attitude towards the current state of his Pacers club. O’Neal apparently didn’t see eye to eye with coach Jim O’Brien or team president Larry Bird. He wanted no part of a rebuilding project and yearned for the days when Indy was winning 50-60 games and considered one of the best - if not THE best - teams in the Eastern Conference.
That black cloud is now hanging over O’Neal’s head. But maybe, just maybe, a fresh start is exactly what he needs … not only regarding his injuries … but his attitude as well.
Coming to the Raptors offers an opportunity to prove to the league that he’s not done — that his knee IS healthy again — and he’s got plenty left in his 29-year-old tank. He’s still young enough that he’s got at least one more big contract left in him … and if he hopes to get that deal when his current contract runs out in two years … he’ll have to earn it on and off the floor with Toronto.
O’Neal should be smart enough to realize all of this. And if he comes in rejuvenated, he’ll help form one of the most potent 1-2 front court punches in the league … alongside Chris Bosh.
Toronto needed to get tougher; they needed more rebounder; and they needed help on the defensive end. Jermaine O’Neal fills all of those voids. He’s a shot-blocking presence down low and he’ll go after it on the glass. Between him and Bosh, the Raps should be a force to be reckoned with in terms of rebounding. When was the last time we said that about a Raptors squad?
And while it’s fair to be concerned about O’Neal’s perceived attitude, dare I suggest that this might be exactly what Toronto needs? Obviously no team in any league wants a cancer in their locker room or internal strife, but would a little attitude or nastiness not be a good thing?
Folks have been saying for a long time that the Raptors are “too nice” — that they need a little “grit”. Well, O’Neal can provide that.
But don’t be fooled: Toronto has not acquired a complete jerk. O’Neal can be very engaging with the fans and media. He proved that in Indy before things went sour. He may not be a choir boy or boyscout, but he’s not a total punk or thug either.
O’Neal’s presence in Toronto’s front court will allow Mitchell to bring Andrea Bargnani off the bench - using Bosh, O’Neal, and Bargnani in a 3-man rotation of the bigs. Kris Humphries, barring another trade that brings in another big body, will likely see more minutes in the shuffling of bodies as well.
If I had to guess, I’d say the starting line up with feature Bosh, O’Neal, Jose Calderon, Anthony Parker, and Jason Kapono. Kapono will likely get the shot to start again following his impressive performance during the Raptors first round series against the Orlando Magic 6 weeks ago.
With TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and Joey Graham gone (that’s who I’m hearing is the “other play” in this deal; though that’s not confirmed (other reports are suggesting it’s Maceo Baston) … Toronto’s bench would feature: Jamario Moon, Humphries, and Bargnani.
The rest of the 2nd unit will be filled via trades and/or free agency. The Raptors due have the mid-level (around $5 million) to spend on a free agent and I have a feeling Bryan Colangelo will not be happy sitting back at the draft tonight. I believe Toronto could be very active in trying to obtain a late first-round pick this evening … after giving up #17 to Indy.
It’s shaping up to be an interesting off season for Toronto … and if you’re a Raptor fan … hopefully an even more interesting season next year!
E. Smith
- FINAL NOTE: If nothing else, Toronto gets some MAJOR cap relief in two years when O’Neal’s contract expires. The Raptors will have $20+ million to spend on the free agent market at a time when the likes of Bosh and LeBron James will be up for grabs to the highest bidder. So this move is not only a short-term gain, but possibly a long-term fix as well.
I agree, Eric, that what JO’N really needs is a change of scenery, and will be re-energized to play alongside another all-star big man. Excluding last season, I believe that his other 2 seasons were shut down more for the fact that the pacers knew they weren’t competing, and were angling for a better spot in the draft. I still disagree with the inclusion of the 17th pick, as the way I see it, the pacers were more motivated to make this trade than the raps, and that there should be no pick included, or even a switch of picks this year, (or next!). My prediction is that JO’N will play 65+ games each of the next 2 seasons, and our rebounding #’s will be signifacantly improved.
- duncanEric,
Love the blog…keeps us going during the offseason. I was wondering if you could shed any insight to this precieved attitude problem O’Neal has. I’m completely ok with how he is off the court, because aside from one incident, he’s been ok.
How is he on the court? Specifically regards to team play? Read an article today that suggested a nickname for him was Jer-mine and if he doesn’t get his touches in a game, he goes off on teammates, coaches, etc.
Have you heard or seen something similar? any insight would be appreciated.
keep it man…..are we going to see you on the TV broadcasts soon????
- ShachinI admit I was originally against this trade, in large part due to the fact I was feeling good about the #17 pick. However, with the cap relief in 2010, as well as the potential matchup problems the Raps can now create, this trade has definite potential.
- TunezI am not as convinced about this deal as you Eric but for the Cap issues it will help with down the road it improves the future regardless of what JO does or doesn’t do. I am also thinking this may improve the chance of bringing Ron Artest into the fold as well maybe as soon as the deadline this year. That would give the Raps a pretty solid starting line-up.
- James BorbathI love the trade. JO will give our wing players more room to move around
- nicoleI am slowly starting to like this deal. O’Neal won’t be the focal point of the franchise like he was for the Pacers. Opposing defenses will be geared to contain Bosh, leaving O’Neal with a lot of opportunities. Without having the weight of a franchise on his shoulders, maybe O’Neal will feel less pressure, resulting in a better year for him.
- MIchael BorlandI have read that the raps recieve the 41st pick of this draft, is it true?
The trade would be a good one if the Raps did not give up the 17th pick in a strong draft. Indy were desperate to trade o’Neill. I can’t see LeBron or any of the other elite free agents in 2010 coming here. We will be lucky to keep Bosh. I guess this demonstrates just how big a bust Bargnani is. No way B.C. makes this deal if Bargnani is a stud instead of a dud. We still need an elite 2 or 3.
- BrianSam and Bryan must give up their dream of making Andrea a 2 guard and develop him as a center.
Rasho is a B.
- MilesTJ is a zero in Toronto maybe a hero somewhere else.
Joey always was a zero.
So if Andrea and Humphries develop we gave up a 17th pick for O’neil and have back up for him.
Hi Eric
- marioGreat trade.The Raptors get what they needed by trading a player that wasn’t a starter.For all the perceived talk of Ford having no trade value I think Colangelo has earned his money again.T.J. is not a right off by any means and the Pacers get a good player,but having O’Neal in play along side Bosh puts us in the same category as the Celtic and Pistons in the east.After a dissapointing finish to last season this is very good news for Raptor fans.
mario
Go Raptors!!!
lets go raps
- AndrewI like this trade, but like others have said, having no picks in another draft is not entertaining.
with that said, i have a feeling that BC will grab a pick in the teens with some sort of package in a deal.
- BehzadI don’t know about a pick in the teens, Behzad, but in the late 20’s … maybe. And they do have #41 as well.
- E. SmithMiles - Andrea as a 2-guard? I don’t know what you’re talking about.
- E. SmithBrian - the deal doesn’t get done if the Raptors don’t give Indy #17.
On another note, I would agree that adding an athletic, scoring 2-3 would be a good move … and I’m sure that’s something Bryan Colangelo will be looking to do.
- E. SmithShachin -
I think the attitude stemmed more from being entirely unhappy in Indy over the last few years. Should he have been more a leader; more of a solution instead of part of the problem? Yes, maybe. But on a winning team or a team with a positive direction, I think the Jer-mine tag is unwarranted.
As for the TV gig, thank you. But I don’t think it’ll be happening. I’m very happy with my current role.
- E. SmithMichael - Yes, the 41st pick is legit as far as I’ve been told. But, again, nothing can be made ‘official’ until July 9
- E. SmithHey Eric,
- JeeGood Blog. At least your not bringing out the negativity of this trade like everyone else. Anyways our bench is definetly short, with talks of Roko Ukic coming to the raptors next season, he will most likely be the back up to Calderon. I think he’s ready for the nba. Do you think there is a chance of Andrea playing some three. Because of his defence, it might not be the best strategy but it will definetly make anyone drool with a front court like that.
has anyone seen the references to the pacers calling this deal speculation? is that because it can’t be announced for a while or is this thing in jeopardy?
- benthe key to this deal is that JO’s contract only has two years left, that timing is perfect. not that we’d let it expire and then try to sign lebron as i agree he’d be unlikely to come. the beauty of it is that if JO flops then that contract becomes a perfect trading tool for a team like the nets or knicks that is trying desperately to get under and make a run at one of these guys. for a $23M in an expiring deal, we could get half the nets team. that’s a pretty nice fall back if the rest of the deal flops.
Ben, my understanding is that the ’speculation’ stuff is just because the deal can’t be official until July 9. If you notice, the Raptors haven’t “confirmed” anything either.
- E. SmithJee … Yes, I could absolutely see Andrea getting some time at the 3 this year
- E. SmithThe Raps are now a 45 win team with the acquisition of O’Neal. If the Raps can get another star to play the 2 or 3 than they will be one of the elite teams in the league. I dont think drafting a rookie or using the mid level on a player is the answer. They need a legit 20ppg scorer on the wing to be a complete team. Maggette would be a good fit if they could get him in a sign and trade somehow. I’m just not sure if BC has any tradeable assets left. I hope we will see another big move though to acquire a sg or sf though trade or free agency(including sign and trade).
- avihey eric great blog! Just wondering what the raps have left in the way of assets? we need some perimeter defence/offence and do the raps really have much left to offer?
- stualso is the talk of roko coming to camp in the fall just talk or are the wheels in motion? It would be nice to finally have a euro pic turn into something ( and thats not a knock on bargs who i still think will find his groove)
- stuthis trade puts the Raps in the Top 3 in the East easily.. i can picture it now .. teams doubling oneil and bosh ( pick your poison there) then bosh and oneil kicking it out to a open kapono for a wide open 3 .. lets go raps … i dont see lebron coming to T.O .. he will stay in cleveland or sign with the nets or knicks
- Jaz GrewalEric…I see this trade being a good for the raps. It’s good because it helps out with interior defence. a better post presence. Almost when we had Villenueva and Bosh together. I mill miss TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic. They had heart and were tough on a team full of guys that didn’t wanna get gritty during crunch time. I just hope that this season that thy don’t fall in love it Calderon’s soft play and lack of stamina.
- DonnyEric
I did mean a 2 guard. He mostly shot threes. We needed him to drive,pass, play tough defense and rebound. I think it is hard to play soft offence and tough defense. He got two teeth knocked out and came back to make the foul shots. I believe he belongs in the paint not on the wing where the 2 guards play. No more threes. Simplify his game to make him better.
- MilesDirk shot 15% threes
For Andrea it was a third of his shots.
Everyone knows the raptors needed a rebounder, a defending, a driver, a paint passer. We had threes coming out of our butt. When someone is having trouble or trying to learn you simplify. Andrea should start with a game more like Rasho. Andrea was much more athletic than last year and he is tough. He just need a simple game and direction.
- MilesIf Jose’s confidence to shoot improves we may be able to live with less at the shooting guard and wing man.
- MilesJose, Bosh, and ONeil could be deadly. Kapono
O’Neil fills 3 pressing needs for Rap’s. Interior defense, rebounding, and scoring. A great move if he can remain healthy. BC must add that SF/SG who is athletic and a scorer to complete the deal, and Raptor’s are ready to go.
- Johnn19Too bad CDR went at #40 to the nets. Could have been just what Raptors need, a slasher and a scorer. Nets got a winner.
- Johnn19Does Toronto have enough left to trade for a top SG or a top SF?
- Richard SpackmanA “top” SG or SF? Probably not … but a good one? Yes
- E. Smith