Photo by Adam Lazzarato
When Jermaine O’Neal was acquired from Indiana, he openly expressed that the trade was going to be the rejuvenation of his career. However, instead of forming one of the strongest frontcourt duo in the league with all-star Chris Bosh, O’Neal has not managed to live up to the expectations. Recent reports also indicate that O’Neal might already be on his way out of Toronto.
“I don’t worry about that (trade) stuff,” O’Neal said. “At the end of the day, I know what I can do and I will continue to prove it. If it doesn’t work out (in Toronto), then it doesn’t work out.”
O’Neal is averaging 13.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game with the Raptors, which is slightly below his career averages. The problem, however, is not whether he can contribute number-wise, but whether the frontcourt duo, who both prefer the PF spot, will find a way to mesh together?
“I have to stand around a little bit and watch,” O’Neal said. “It’s been hard. I knew it would be a hard transition, but to what extent, I really didn’t know. I’m not gonna lie. It’s been one of the challenging things I’ve ever done in my life.”