He looked somewhat confused and had to ask for directions when it came to finding the visitor’s locker room at Conseco
Fieldhouse. In his eight years with the Indiana Pacers, he never had once visited that part of the building, and while he seemed comfortable with his arrival as an opponent, it was indeed strange to see one of the all time Pacer greats in colors other than blue and gold.
Looking fit and sporting that infectious smile that he has always been known for, Jermaine O’Neal returned to Indianapolis for the first time since being traded last summer to Toronto, and as he prepared to face the Pacers, he took time to discuss his change of address and what it has been like this season as a member of the Toronto Raptors.
“I truly enjoyed my time in this community and will always be grateful to the fans who supported me during my time here,” stated the six time all star. “This franchise allowed me the opportunity to make a name for myself and I will always be indebted to them for that.” O’Neal has averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per game since the trade, but has missed the last nine games due to swelling in his right knee as a result of a contusion he sustained on Dec. 29. While he has missed the last nine games, O’Neal is hoping to return to the lineup against the Pacers tonight but not for the reasons you might expect.
“I need to be able to contribute to this team right away as we look to get on the type of role that will put us solidly in the playoff hunt, O’Neal said.” Toronto, while16-24, is just four games out of the hunt for the final playoff spot as the halfway point of the season arrives this weekend, and the thought of being able to make a run behind the tandem of All Star
Chris Bosh and a healthy O’Neal is certainly something that everyone in Toronto is counting on.
While he has been in the NBA for 12 seasons now, O’Neal feels he can play at a high level for several more years to come.
He clearly is enjoying his new surroundings and feels the nucleus needed for success in Toronto is indeed in place.
But he openly admitted that he will look forward to the day when he can concentrate on his family and business interests beyond the game of basketball.
One of the endeavors he has already undertaken is Bogata Entertainment, which is a recording studio he owns in Atlanta.
He also has owned various dance clubs and considers the
music and entertainment business as an area of both great interest and opportunity for himself after his career concludes.
While he was plagued with injuries during the final two years of his career in Indiana, O’Neal was a force to be reckoned with when healthy, and no doubt will revive fond memories for
those in attendance when he makes his return for the first time against the Pacers.
Notes: O’Neal also mentioned he was happy to see the Pacers on the current roster being solid citizens to date off the floor.
Toronto is the leading three throw shooting team in the NBA averaging just over eighty percent as a team. Point guard
Jose Calderon has not missed an attempt this season, connecting on an incredible 76 straight shots. Calderon is currently out
with a strained hamstring injury.
The Pacers will welcome Ron Artest and the Houston Rockets to Conseco Fieldhouse on Jan. 23. Artest is currently averaging 16 points a game for the Rockets.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and the Conseco Fieldhouse box office.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
