Jermaine O'Neal was nearly in tears after the Pacers fell to the Magic by a final score of 95-87 on national television Friday. "It's just disappointing to lose the way we have been losing," O'Neal said. "It's embarrassing; it's a lot of things." O'Neal was asked about wanting to be traded, a question likely to continue to come up as the Pacers move closer to missing the playoffs for the first time since 1996-97. After pausing for 10 seconds to take in the question, O'Neal put a towel over his face to hide his emotions and ended the interview session. O'Neal has said a number of times since last summer that he plans to sit down with CEO Donnie Walsh and president Larry Bird at the end of the season to address future plans. http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/454...oss_at_orlando/
At least he cares about winning. Injuries have really hurt him the last few seasons, and the Pacers have been through a lot of drama as a team. Donnie Walsh is a failry conservative GM, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Indiana make some DRASTIC changes in the offseason. Rick Carlisle might have worn out his welcome with this team. He's one of the best coaches in the NBA, but I don't think he has the attention of his players any longer. Once the coach loses his voice in the locker room, it's time for a change. The youth movement also seems apparent for the Pacers. Danny Granger, Ike Diogu are going to be the core of this team, along with the player they select in this year's draft, and possibly Shawne Williams. Tinsley, Quis, and possibly O'Neal could all be shipped out sometime next year. The hold up will be finding someone to take these monster contracts off their hands and still give up some value in return. Jermaine O'neal does have an opt-out clause, but I doubt he exercises it and leaves, over $60M on the table. I imagine the Pacers would want to ship O'Neal and Tinsley as a package. There's plenty of teams out West who could use O'Neal. Clippers - Kaman, Maggette, Mobley, Livingston Lakers - Kwame, Odom, Bynum Warriors - Jason Richardson, Pietrus, O'Bryant Kings - Mike Bibby, Brad Miller Seattle - Rashard Lewis, Luke Ridnour
it'll be an interesting offseason this year, three superstar players(garnett,pierce and JO) could likely move teams. i think JO has the most chance of switching teams, but i think that it'll be warriors, lakers and clippers that will make the best offers, but it depends on how those teams do in the playoffs, if the lakers do reasonably well they wont make a push for any player in the offseason
He just broke down....he is trying to win a ring, atleast make it to the playoffs, not have his team get whooped all of the time.
Jermaine gets some respect from me for at least caring...especially for crying in front of cameras....
<div class="quote_poster">THE DREAM Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Jermaine gets some respect from me for at least caring...especially for crying in front of cameras....</div> And for crying on the court after this happened: Invalid Video Link
<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">And for crying on the court after this happened: </div> Ouch! ur brutal. have a heart
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Ouch! ur brutal. have a heart</div> Haha, I do feel for the guy and all but he's still making more money this year than I'll make in my entire life and he's still young so I don't feel that bad for him.
I kinda have to agree with Swish. I feel a little bad for him, but its not like he's over his peak and he's going to retire so he's desperate for a ring. He is still very young and still has a chance to win one, just with a different team.
Warriors would be glad to have your business again. How about Foyle, Pietrus and POB for JO and some other schmuck. You guys will get Foyle who can play some defense and will be coming off the books pretty soon. In the East he may even become an All Star center. A young promising big man in POB and an athletic swingman in Pietrus. You guys can be the Warriors East v2...
Big men like JO shouldn't even be taking charges in the first place. Just go straight up and stuff that fool or stay out of the way like Shaq. Of course I expect JO to go after it cleanly. It's verticality, man, he can go straight up to meet the dunker in midair and try to get a hand on the ball.
