Friday January 16 2009 – 11:20am Eastern
Jermaine O’Neal is with the Raptors in Indiana, but whether or not he’ll play tonight against the Pacers remains to be seen.
O’Neal took part in his first practise in more than two weeks yesterday, then flew with the Raps to Indy. He said this morning that he didn’t experience any swelling after the flight and he’s feeling pretty good right now.
He is taking part in Toronto’s morning shoot-around as I write this, and he’ll meet with the trainers this afternoon to determine his status and health for tonight’s game.
He’s officially listed as a game-time decision.
Meanwhile, Jose Calderon will be n/a tonight. Calderon is with the team in Indy but he will not suit up. There’s no way to know – yet – whether or not he’ll play on Sunday against Phoenix.
Will Solomon will continue to start in Calderon’s place.
E. Smith
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Jermaine O’Neal is starting to remind me of Alonzo Mourning .. I’m not sure why
- Chas CalzTriano should let J.O start tonight just to get his name called in Indy and then pull him in the first minute or two … that would be the classy thing to do for the Raps . Start CB4 , BARG and J.O and quickly pull J.O….at least he gets his name called in the arena which he played so many seasons. Just my opinion.
- NeilGood for JO saying the right things but if you listen carefully, he does say words to the effect of why would I immediately take back “my starting position”.
Unfortunately, Barg’s makeup seems to be a bit too timid, non-agressive and 2nd guessing himself and his play.
It’s why Triano has worked so hard to get his players to not look over to the bench after every miss, wondering if they’ll get the hook.
Bargnani has to say “I’ve earned starter’s minutes and I’m keeping them and not second guess himself after a bad game (or a shift).
It will be up to JO to outshine him coming off the bench and Triano more equalize their minutes.
I’d get them on the floor together a bit more too because Bosh was playing bigger with JO around…
Big win tonight, let’s get Jose back as well and no controversy pls!
- GaryThat was cruel, Chas…J.O. has much more class than Moaning will ever have. Mo never even set foot in this town. He gave us the brush-off without even giving it a chance. J.O.’s problem isn’t a lack of heart (I’m sure he’s playing hurt most nights), or a lack of respect for the Toronto fans (Moaning showed us nothing but the utmost contempt). J.O.’s problem is that his wheels are pretty much shot. His mind and heart are there, but his body just can’t do it anymore on a regular basis. Colangelo has tried to advance this team too quickly. That dubious Atlantic Division Championship, led him to believe that his coach and team were much better than they actually were. He’s addressed the Mitchell problem, and now he needs to address the mistakes that he’s made with this team (acquiring J.O.). Blow this season up B.C. because even IF we make it to the playoffs, we’re NOT going to go past the first round.
- jimJim, I guess it was a bit of an exaggeration but if you go to the Indianapolis Star blogs , there are several comments about O’Neal that suggest the trade was a big victory for Pacers
- Chas CalzHey Jim I respectfully disagree on the anticipatd “throw in the towel” talk.
We’re a three game winning streak away from positive thoughts again. We’ve spent most of the year with an inconsistent Bosh/Bargs and without a starting centre and point gaurd. And oh yes, NO wing production.
I think we’ll end the season respectfully and both Boston and Orlando have weaknesses and are one superstar injury away from mediocrity.
Stranger things have happened. The top three will NOT have the % winning record they have at the halfway point at the end of the season.
I agree it sure looks like anything beyond squeaking in the 8th spot is a stretch but let’s get healthy, play 20 more games and THEN wave the white flag if we’re still suckin’ wind.
- GaryHOW DID THE PACERS WIN THAT TRADE???? OBVIOUSLY THEY ARENT WINNING (THEY HAVE LESS WINS THEN THE RAPS!!) AND THE PACERS JUST GAVE US 22 MILLION OFF OUR CAP IN 2010…WHEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN NBA HISTORY ARE UP FOR GRABS!! THEY CAN HAVE FORD, RASHO AND BASTION AND THE 14 WINS THEY HAVE THIS YEAR…I RATHER HAVE THE CAP SPACE IN 2010… RAPS WIN THIS TRADE
- NeilI agree with Neil!!!!!!
- Raps Fan???!!!!!And the year is not done yet. If the Raps make the playoffs, who knows. Plus they get the cap space and win the trade both ways.
- Gary