Jermaine O'Neal No Longer Dominant Exercises Option for $23 Million

Jermaine O’Neal exercised the option for the final year of his contract. This means that the 13 year veteran will make $23M next season as he returns to the Miami Heat. O’Neal is a 6 time All-Star and 3 time All NBA performer, so there is no way we’re going to hate on a star that has put in the work.

But you have to admit that JO’s durability nowadays is suspect playing in only 274 out of 410 games since 2004. In essence, he’s a prime time candidate for the Hoops Vine All-Suit Team.

He’s averaged only 13.5 points over the past two seasons and in Miami, on a team that sorely needs a second scoring option, hasn’t established himself as D-Wade’s wingman.

I’m convinced that we’ll never see 18 and 9 from him again. Ever. What’s troubling is that the rebound productivity has declined to 6.5 per game (only 5.4 in 27 games with the Heat) in 30 minutes; however he does still contribute 2 blocks per game.

I completely expect the Heat to package his expiring contract to a team needing salary cap relief this season. I would be totally shocked if this did not occur.

Get at me …

Lang
Lang.Greene@gmail.com