Jermaine O'neal, you, sir, have been amazing!

[Senninsage]

I've been noticing it myself, and obviously so have others, but it should absolutely get more attention than it has been getting, because what Jermaine is doing for this team is, quite frankly, like out of a movie or something, where you're cheering for the guy that hit a rough patch with injuries, worked his behind off to get back right for the good of his team, and is now showing that he can do big things for them, when it matters the most.

Of all the players that we talked about having this season, I thought Jermaine O'neal might very well be done for the Season, and that we'd mostly just have to hope that Shaq, who has been incredible for us this season, could stay healthy and continue contributing for us.

I never imagined Jermaine would be looking this healthy, and be able to contribute for the team in the way that he has.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4683277/lost-in-the-box-score#more

This article here says it best, because what Jermaine is doing for this Celtics team, is really and truly lost on the box score.

Rewatch last night's game. Watch how, on so many key possessions, Knicks players are being forced to change or alter their shots because of Jermaine's presence. Watch how Jermaine's presence, and the threat of a blocked shot, caused the Knicks to just basically throw the ball right to the Celtics.

[bbd24]

The funny thing about it is, even though he's been amazing, I still think he's been jaded once or twice each game by the men in stripes.  He isn't getting many calls in his favor.  Yet.

[Senninsage]

He did get clear blocks called as fouls on him, definitely.

Either way, this guy has just been incredible for the team.

[P2]

I don't want to take away from Jermaine, but I badly want Shaq back.

[GreenFaith1819]

Yes, he has!

Keep it up, JO - and I believe he'll get even better as the playoffs progress.

[cornbreadsmart]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

[KobeShesNotConsenting!]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

Bynum is not healthy. I don't think they can beat the celtics if we keep playin great and can keep everyone healthy. Game 7 with no shaq would be tough but doable with a healthy kg

[Thruthelookingglass]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

I don't know, bringing Shaq off the bench sounds better to me.  JO's really got it going and I wouldn't want to upset that.  Plus, throwing 300+lbs of Shaq at another team's second unit sounds almost unfair.  Almost.  Surely Delonte can get the ball down to Shaq in the post, and I'd expect the second unit's production problems might "diminish."

[Emmette Bryant]

Rewatch last night's game. Watch how, on so many key possessions, Knicks players are being forced to change or alter their shots because of Jermaine's presence. Watch how Jermaine's presence, and the threat of a blocked shot, caused the Knicks to just basically throw the ball right to the Celtics.

I've been noticing the same thing.  Jermaine changes an awful lot of shots.

[SHAQATTACK]

YES!!! JO did alter several of MELLO's shots , ones that would have flew right over Krstics head and into the basket for two points.  I noticed that too, people have "THINK" when they go into the paint with KG and JO standing there. 

[Redz]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

Bynum is not healthy. I don't think they can beat the celtics if we keep playin great and can keep everyone healthy. Game 7 with no shaq would be tough but doable with a healthy kg

I'm as happy (and surprised) as anyone about JO's emergence as a legit starting center for us, but I think it's a stretch to say we're playing "great".  We had an other-worldly shooting performance by Pierce and Ray last night, and an exciting effort from Rondo, but we had two coin flip games to start this series on our home court.  

I'd call it a nice step forward, or a good sign that things may be headed the right direction.

[Prof. Clutch]

Agree with the thread title completely.  TP to the OP.  It's funny though, if you looked only at his stat line and didn't watch the performance you wouldn't think he's been playing very well.  Last nights game:

6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 Blocks, 5 fouls, 2 TO in 27 minutes of play

It doesn't wow you when you look at it, but it's amazing how the stats can't tell the whole story.

[2short]

I did post something to the idea of this while perk was still here but jermaine is the best all around center we have between perk & shaq. 
Not knocking Jermaine but why put off the surgery?  He was injured during LAST years playoffs while still with Miami.  Why not look at options and get surgery done so you would be ready to go for training camp?

[Army_of_One_Nation]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

Bynum is not healthy. I don't think they can beat the celtics if we keep playin great and can keep everyone healthy. Game 7 with no shaq would be tough but doable with a healthy kg

I admire your optimism, but let's take one game at a time.

[Onslaught]

Best case scenario where Shaq is healthy and starting,with Jermaine AND Baby coming off the bench is awesome. With Celts healthy it's us and L.A. all over again. Payback would be unbelievable.Lakers look awesome right now though.

I don't know, bringing Shaq off the bench sounds better to me.  JO's really got it going and I wouldn't want to upset that.  Plus, throwing 300+lbs of Shaq at another team's second unit sounds almost unfair.  Almost.  Surely Delonte can get the ball down to Shaq in the post, and I'd expect the second unit's production problems might "diminish."

I'm with this. Let's work Shaq back in nice and slow. I'd like to see him come off the bench and just give JO some rest here and there. If we need Shaq vs the Lakers as a starter then do it then.

That is if Shaq ever comes back and stays healthy.