Storm delays decision on Jermaine O’Neal’s knee surgery

[twinbree]

Traffic isn’t the only thing being delayed during today’s snow and ice storm.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said today forward Jermaine O’Neal is stuck in New York – where he was getting a second opinion on his swollen left knee – and that a final decision on whether he will undergo season-threatening surgery won’t be made until tomorrow.

O’Neal said during a 20-minute pregame interview on Friday that he was hoping to avoid surgery on the knee swelling that has caused him to miss 22 games this season because the 8-10 week recovery time would endanger his season, if not his career.

O’Neal said that if he could be guaranteed surgery would have him free of pain and ready for the playoffs, he would consider it. But if there was only “a 60 percent chance” of that he would try to continue playing through the swelling and pain.

O’Neal said he had considered playing Friday night against Charlotte, but opted to wait in case he was convinced to have the surgery so the knee would be “calm.” He said on Friday that he would either be undergoing the operation Wednesday or would be in the lineup Wednesday night vs. the Pistons.

http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/celtics/2011/01/18/celtics-storm-delays-decision-on-jermaine-oneals-knee-surgery/

[mgent]

Why doesn't he just wait until Perk gets back, he's been playing good enough for 15-20 minutes a night.  We only need a 4 man rotation anyway.

[Megatron]

Im done worrying about Jermaine O'neal.

Once Perk comes back I dont see how he will get much playing time anyways.

[Jon]

I don't want him having surgery unless he can make it back for the playoffs.  Quite frankly, I don't care if he plays 5 mpg until the playoffs.  However, I like the idea of having him as insurance against the likes of Orlando and LA if Shaq and/or Perk get in foul trouble. 

As we saw last night when Turk hit the big 3 that kept them close (or put them ahead), when Baby has to guard Howard, people (like Pierce) have to come off shooters to double.  Having someone like O'Neal could've helped there, especially since Jermaine is a good enough free throw shooter that Doc could leave him in during tight situations. 

[soap07]

Honestly, it's easy to pine for a player to play right away, even if hobbled. I'd hope that he does what's best for him and takes the course that allows him to maximize his career window.

[GreenEnvy]

I don't want him having surgery unless he can make it back for the playoffs.  Quite frankly, I don't care if he plays 5 mpg until the playoffs.  However, I like the idea of having him as insurance against the likes of Orlando and LA if Shaq and/or Perk get in foul trouble. 

As we saw last night when Turk hit the big 3 that kept them close (or put them ahead), when Baby has to guard Howard, people (like Pierce) have to come off shooters to double.  Having someone like O'Neal could've helped there, especially since Jermaine is a good enough free throw shooter that Doc could leave him in during tight situations. 

Well that's what they've been saying all along, that he has to be back for the playoffs and the surgery will definitely relieve the pain, then he's gonna do it. If it doesn't satisfy both, he's gonna play through it.

I think we can shut him down until March. Shaq, Semih and BBD get the center minutes until Perk comes back.  Then BBD moves back to solely backup PF, and Semih hits the pine unless Perk/Shaq doesn't play.

Once March rolls around, start resting Shaq and ease JO back into some PT. I'd love for JO to be able to give us like 15 minutes in the playoffs, half of that at PF.

Even without JO, we can use Perk, Shaq and KG on Howard. Orlando doesn't worry me because they don't have any other bigs really. Having a boatload of bigs to throw at LA is important.