NBA all-star forward Jermaine O'Neal traded to Raptors
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 07:26:00 07/10/2008
TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors added a six-time all-star to their roster Wednesday, acquiring American forward Jermaine O'Neal from the Indiana Pacers.
The Raptors also acquired the draft rights to forward Nathan Jawai while sending guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, forward Maceo Baston and the draft rights of center Roy Hibbert to the Pacers.
The deal for O'Neal, rumored at last month's National Basketball Association draft, became official when the league's free-agent moratorium ended Wednesday.
O'Neal will team with Olympian Chris Bosh in Toronto, giving the Raptors a potent offensive attack.
"In speaking to Jermaine you get an overwhelming sense that he is focused, determined and willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win basketball games," said Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo.
One of the big knocks on the O'Neal trade has been his inability to stay healthy. The 29-year-old has not played at least 70 games in a season since appearing in 78 contests in 2003-04.
Last season, O'Neal was limited to 42 games due to knee troubles.
O'Neal’s career has been a controversial one. In 2004, he was suspended 25 games for his role in an on-court brawl between Pacers players and Detroit Piston fans.
At the height of the melee, O'Neal rushed six meters across the court to lay out a Pistons fan with a punch to the head.
Selected 41st overall, the 6ft 10in Jawai was the unanimous Rookie of the Year in Australia's National Basketball League last season.
|
