That's kind of "duh" article. Of course its not premature at this point. It can't be official until after the draft. But nowhere does the person quoted actually deny the trade rumour, despite the fact that the article puts those words in his mouth.
<div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QSIxXS2LS-4&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QSIxXS2LS-4&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div>
O'Neal confirms Pacers sending him to Raptors By CLIFF BRUNT 1 hour ago <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers are trading six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal to the Toronto Raptors for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined. O'Neal confirmed the trade Thursday, saying he was pleased with the move by team president Larry Bird. "He wanted to get me to a place where I could contend and do what I'm capable of doing," O'Neal told The Associated Press. "We both agreed that the timing was perfect. His focus on getting them (the Pacers) to a level where they can grow and start to be competitive was tremendous." O'Neal wasn't surprised by the trade. "I knew last year that this time would be coming," he said. Pacers spokesman David Benner said he could not confirm the trade. "We're stuck in our role here, the players can say whatever they want, we can't say anything," Benner said. Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo told The Canadian Press on Wednesday that he was in the midst of "four or five" conversations with teams involving Ford and a combination of Toronto's No. 17 pick and/or other Raptors players leading up to Thursday night's draft. A deal can't be finalized until July 1, when Ford's base-year compensation tag comes off the books. O'Neal said he took his physical Wednesday, but he wasn't sure if Ford had finished his. O'Neal, who will turn 30 before entering his 13th season, has a contract paying him more than $44 million over the next two seasons. He will be a part of a powerhouse front line with All-Star forward Chris Bosh. "I think playing alongside Chris Bosh gives us a different dynamic," O'Neal said. "You look at teams in the NBA, you look at their low-post players, and they always have one good player, and when that good player goes out, you can change your defense a little bit and load up on other areas. Even with us starting out the games together, one of us will always be on the floor. You won't get a chance to adjust your defense." That's one of the main reasons he believes the Raptors can contend for an NBA title next season. "You're talking about a team that's extremely athletic, extremely big at the wing positions, and they play defense," O'Neal said. "With my defensive mentality and ability to change the game and Chris' ability to block shots and change the game" it's exciting."hell yeah!</div>
Cornflake, you're the man. Love the avy. Also, love the video. I really can't wait for JO to come to Toronto. I really hope him and Bosh can hit it off, and I know they will. They both want to win, and I think they can co-exist great.
bill plaschke on around the horn said he loved it for the pacers, not much for us i hate everything he says so im even happier now
I remember in another thread people were mentioning 5-head. Now I remember another person with 5-head. I like him a lot more with a headband.
Jermaine O'Neal's forehead is so big when he dreams it's like a drive-in theatre. I'm starting to get pumped about this now. I haven't been excited about the Raps since the beginning of the season.
I think with O'Neal, we have massive upside. He's so excited to come here, I think way more than we think. We have a very good team, who needs a guy like Jermaine. He brings something we've lacked since Davis left.
Jermaine O'Neal's forehead has massive upside. He and Chris Bosh's girlfriend should hit it off..... literally. Seriously they shouldn't stand to close to each other, while conversing.
