Jermaine O'Neal: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Free-Agent Center
Retired center Jermaine O'Neal reportedly is interested in returning to the NBA, according to Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group.
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O'Neal Reportedly Considering a Return to Warriors
Monday, July 4
Per Thompson, O'Neal "is game for a return to [the] Warriors."
O'Neal hinted at a potential comeback on July 1, though it was unclear at the time if he was serious or commenting on the massive contracts being dished out to NBA free agents:
The 37-year-old last appeared in the NBA in the 2013-14 season, averaging 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game. He appeared in 44 games for the Warriors (13 starts) and gave the team quality minutes.
In his career, O'Neal was a six-time All-Star and the 2001-02 Most Improved Player, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers (1996-2000), Indiana Pacers (2000-2008), Toronto Raptors (2008-09), Miami Heat (2008-09, 2010), Boston Celtics (2010-2012), Phoenix Suns (2012-13) and the Warriors. He was an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder and was one of the league's better low-post players in his prime.
Still, it's hard to imagine O'Neal making an impact after a two-year hiatus from the NBA, and it's just as hard to imagine the Warriors giving him a shot.
There won't be a shortage of veterans in the league clamoring to join the team after superstar Kevin Durant announced on the Players' Tribune that he would sign with Golden State, so it's hard to envision the Warriors pulling players out of retirement to fill out the roster.
The Warriors will likely shuffle their roster, but O'Neal probably won't be in those plans.
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