is Jermaine O'Neal healthy now?

[Jeff]

I tried watching him at times last night but was distracted by the Rondo/Ray show

he seemed to move a little better and was comfortable taking midrange jumpers and had one good block, but I can't help but think that he's still underperforming expectations

here's his game log - his best game was against the Hornets (in a loss unfortunately)

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3120/gamelog;_ylt=ArM9WxxI9ka6cRf3jpUtxdkfPKB4

One thing I wondered is if he's somehow getting lost as the 4th or 5th option on the floor after being a 2nd or 3rd option for most of his career (even last year when the Heat had little else beyond Wade).  Maybe he's just going to need some time to adjust to his reduced role.

any thoughts on what we can expect from JON from now on?

[Roy H.]

I think he's still knocking off some of the rust and still learning the system a bit.  However, other than maybe an improved jump shot, I wouldn't expect drastically better box scores.

Right now, it looks like the team has given him a very specific role:  defend the rim.  He's not being asked to look for his shot, and I think JO is happy deferring to his teammates.  I personally expect that to continue.

I've liked what I've seen from him lately.  He's been an impact defensive player, which brings a different element to the second unit.

[Jeff]

fair enough - I'd love to see him add that element of weak-side defensive presence that we've largely done without for a while now

if nothing else, he gives us some length that will help against the Hawks and teams like that

[JSD]

I'd like to see Jermaine shooting better at this point. 43% is too low.

[Jeff]

in his defense (and backing up Roy H's post) here is Doc's comments on the game:

"At halftime, I decided to go small, which I thought helped us," said Rivers. "I thought, obviously, Ray [Allen] and Paul and [Rajon] Rondo were phenomenal. But I thought Jermaine O’Neal, honestly, was just absolutely huge for us. We left him out there, he defended Tim [Duncan] one-on-one for the most part and he got blocks, he gave us defensive energy. He was absolutely sensational."

[Bankshot]

He looks ok, but doesn't look 100% to me. 

[Drucci]

Well, JO looks very slow so you can always assume he is playing injured... but I think it's simply his best speed at this point in his career, although I do think he runs faster than he did against Orlando and Detroit.

Physically he is definitely getting better but you can't expect to become a primary option offensively. Honestly, it will be great if he sticks to taking the open midrange jumper and the easy catches in the paint from Rondo's passes. I would say we expect 98% of JO on defense and 2% on offense, something like that.

Like Roy, I think he is fine in that role of deferring to his teammates, you can tell he prides himself on defense, mostly going for blocks and drawing charges. I like what he has done since his return and he can only get better from there (although slightly better).

[CelticsWhat35]

in his defense (and backing up Roy H's post) here is Doc's comments on the game:

"At halftime, I decided to go small, which I thought helped us," said Rivers. "I thought, obviously, Ray [Allen] and Paul and [Rajon] Rondo were phenomenal. But I thought Jermaine O’Neal, honestly, was just absolutely huge for us. We left him out there, he defended Tim [Duncan] one-on-one for the most part and he got blocks, he gave us defensive energy. He was absolutely sensational."

I will concede that Doc has forgotten more stuff about basketball and the team that I will ever know, but he seems to throw out the term "sensational" a bit too often when he's trying to prop up a player that is performing below expectations.  I don't know if he's trying to make Danny look better for signing JO or what, but I didn't see him being sensational last night.

It's actually funny you started this thread, because I was watching the game thinking, I hope he's still hurt, because otherwise there's not a big difference between JO now and the guy who looked pathetic in the playoffs last year.  He had some good defensive plays last night, but he did in the playoffs too.  But overall he just looks slow and doesn't seem to have his legs.  Hopefully that will change as the season goes along, but I'm not sure.

[Birdbrain]

He looks to be ' more ' healthy which is nice.  He protects the rim unlike anyone else that is currently healthy so he's vital at this point.

[Snakehead]

I really don't know what some people expect.  Besides rebounding I thought he played a great game last night, really did a great job providing interior defense on a small unit where he was basically the only post player.

And you can tell he is a little out of shape and a step slow rotating, but he still is giving great effort and he will have the defense down and be faster rotating within games. 

He was simply not brought here for his offense, he was brought here to defend and hit short range jumpers when open.  And as for people saying he is slow, you can tell he is getting his legs back and getting in shape but he is certainly not slow for a Center.  Have you ever watched Perkins play?

Not underperforming at all IMO.  He is progressing well coming back from injury and looks like he will be a very strong defensive presence for us, and that is EXACTLY what we brought him here to be.

But I'm sure the hate will go on.  Not sure why Jermaine has so many haters on here.

One thing I wondered is if he's somehow getting lost as the 4th or 5th option on the floor after being a 2nd or 3rd option for most of his career (even last year when the Heat had little else beyond Wade).  Maybe he's just going to need some time to adjust to his reduced role.

I think he just is getting his legs back and getting comfortable out there and he simply wasn't looking for his offense.  But that being said I think he is fine defering.  I expect him to just knock down those short range jumpers that Perk always misses and finish when Rondo sets him up with alleys or dump offs and that is it.  He doesn't need to do more than that.

And that's great because he will be giving us his real effort on defense, which is what we need from him.  I'm sure the change from being one of the last options on the floor is a change but I don't think he really will mind that much.



I'd just like to see him hit the boards a little harder but other than that he is progressing very well.  I expect him to be quicker on rotations, fouling less and blocking more shots, and grabbing more boards very soon.

[Birdbrain]

I really don't know what you people expect.  Besides rebounding I thought he played a great game last night, really did a great job providing interior defense on a small unit where he was basically the only post player.

And you can tell he is a little out of shape and a step slow rotating, but he still is giving great effort and he will have the defense down and be faster rotating within games. 

He was simply not brought here for his offense, he was brought here to defend and hit short range jumpers when open.  And as for people saying he is slow, you can tell he is getting his legs back and getting in shape but he is certainly not slow for a Center.  Have you ever watched Perkins play?

Not underperforming at all IMO.  He is progressing well coming back from injury and looks like he will be a very strong defensive presence for us, and that is EXACTLY what we brought him here to be.

But I'm sure the hate will go on.  Not sure why Jermaine has so many haters on here.

If he continues to stay moderately healthy and plays the way he has the past few games everyone should be happy or happy for Boston fans which are fickle group.  He has bought into taking charges (although he's had some bad luck getting the calls) and he is the C's best shot blocker I think even when everyone is healthy. 

I'm anxiously waiting this team to be at or near full strength.  The options down low on offense and defense will be staggering. 

[Snakehead]

I really don't know what you people expect.  Besides rebounding I thought he played a great game last night, really did a great job providing interior defense on a small unit where he was basically the only post player.

And you can tell he is a little out of shape and a step slow rotating, but he still is giving great effort and he will have the defense down and be faster rotating within games. 

He was simply not brought here for his offense, he was brought here to defend and hit short range jumpers when open.  And as for people saying he is slow, you can tell he is getting his legs back and getting in shape but he is certainly not slow for a Center.  Have you ever watched Perkins play?

Not underperforming at all IMO.  He is progressing well coming back from injury and looks like he will be a very strong defensive presence for us, and that is EXACTLY what we brought him here to be.

But I'm sure the hate will go on.  Not sure why Jermaine has so many haters on here.

If he continues to stay moderately healthy and plays the way he has the past few games everyone should be happy or happy for Boston fans which are fickle group.  He has bought into taking charges (although he's had some bad luck getting the calls) and he is the C's best shot blocker I think even when everyone is healthy. 

I'm anxiously waiting this team to be at or near full strength.  The options down low on offense and defense will be staggering. 

I think you are right on.  And again you can tell he is rusty, if he stays healthy (which he should in not too many minutes like he has had to play in the past) then he will only get better.

It's just annoying to see people rag on him constantly when he is coming back from legitimate injuries and I don't see him underperforming at all.  Ignoring the fact that, again, he is returning from injury and is still getting into the game, he is only making about 6 million.  For a Center that is a good value, Tyson Chandler makes 12 million and Brendan Haywood makes 7 million for example.

He is only going to get better.  I just find it annoying how people go on about Jermaine when he is hurt.  No one questions KG or Delonte or anyone else and everyone is fine giving them time to return to form.

PATIENCE.  He will only get better.  Great game last night from him and that's just the start.

[Edgar]

 Great game last night from him

[thirstyboots18]

Doc answered on Dennis & Callahan this morning....rebounds and defense...and Doc is very happy with him since he came back.  He thinks the offense will come.

[Assassin70]

As long as he continues to improve remains healthy and get more comfortable out there I am sure he will make some play we will all remember on the way to Banner 18.

But if he doesn't he will easily surpass Baby/Nate/Quisy as the most hated on current Celtic by the Celtic community.