Who else LOVES the Jermaine O'Neal signing?

[Eja117]

Well love is such a complex and strong emotion I can't say that's whatI feel for it. I kinda am in intrigue with it

[amenhotep04]

I love the signing. If the guy can avoid injury, he'll be another offensive threat on the floor.  Plus, when Rondo dishes him the ball under the hoop he'll actually be able to score and not feel compelled to travel, wind-up, or pause to allow the defense to catch up with him.

[lon3lytoaster]

My biggest questions are if Jermaine can still play that terrific man defense that made him a star. That's what I remember Jermaine O'Neal for. That and if he can stay healthy.

Then if he can rebound, block some shots and play a little (A LITTLE) post offense, then maybe I'll love the signing.

At least he'll stay in the post and play there, unlike Rasheed.

[Who]

My biggest questions are if Jermaine can still play that terrific man defense that made him a star. That's what I remember Jermaine O'Neal for.

The answer to that is "no".

Jermaine is still a solid defender but no longer an exceptional one.

[Brendan]

My biggest questions are if Jermaine can still play that terrific man defense that made him a star. That's what I remember Jermaine O'Neal for.

The answer to that is "no".

Jermaine is still a solid defender but no longer an exceptional one.

I think Defense is synnergistic to use a 90s .COM buzz word. If KG can remain at (return to?) elite or near elite defensive ability and Pierce can remain where he was this year, Jermaine will look very good in this system (assuming it clicks, always a risk with new players.)

[Chief]

If he comes in shape, everything will work out.

[JHTruth]

I think it's an excellent signing. If he comes into camp in good shape he will be better than Sheed for us. He is every bit the defender as Sheed and I've always loved his game when he;s healthy. He's a better rebounder and shot blocker as well. About the only way it could go bad is if he gets hurt for the year..

[Rashi]

If he comes in shape, everything will work out.

+1

During the summer I would like to see Pierce and Baby get into better shape, especially Pierce.

[guava_wrench]

If he comes in shape, everything will work out.

+1

During the summer I would like to see Pierce and Baby get into better shape, especially Pierce.

Pierce came into last season in incredible shape, so I don't understand why you lump him in with BBD.

In fact, Pierce tends to be in great shape at the start of every season since 2008. I don't think there is much he can do about joints being old.

It is amazing how fast and agile Pierce always look in training camp and how beaten down he tends to look by the playoffs. The NBA sure is taxing.

[Brendan]

Hollinger seems to love it:
   

John Hollinger:
That's why Haywood just got $55 million -- because there's a shortage of true centers in this year's market. Boston getting Jermaine O'Neal for $11 mll and two years is a steal in that environment. Shaq is the last true 5 left and he's not a defender. Otherwise you're looking at guys like Ilgauskas and Brad Miller.

From his chat (live right now.)

[guava_wrench]

The upside is incredible for this move, as he will still only be 32 at the start of the year

Lol I think this the 1st time I've read upside refer to someone who is 32.

I understand your point but I think you need to factor in that he is a preps to pro player so he has more miles on him than the average 32 year old. I do think that he will surprise a lot of people because he doesn't have as much responsibility offensively and defensively.

True on the mileage, but recovering from injuries is a bigger issue than mileage. Look at KG. The KG at the end of the season was better than the KG from the beginning of the season. Sometimes guys just need to put distance between themselves and injuries to have a revival.

Look at Grant Hill.

[j804]

Rondo seems to like this whole thing as well, via twitter...

@RajonRondo Fan David Chen made this...I like it http://twitpic.com/23svsk

[CbrewEra]

I was skeptical because of how bad he was in the series against us, but then i realized he was going up against one of the best interior defenders in all of the game in Perk.
Naturally, Perk chopped J.o's numbers in pretty much half. 
Also, it was tough for J.O. as Miami's second option.

[Rondo_is_better]

For the money he's getting and the role he's being asked to play? I'm very happy about it.