First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/spo...ine-oneal.html

In case anyone was doubting that the Raptors-Pacers deal is going to happen, center/power forward Jermaine O'Neal is confirming that he has been told about the trade.

Neither team can discuss the deal until it actually is complete, and that cannot happen until point guard T.J. Ford's base-year compensation status changes in July.

According to The Associated Press, O'Neal said he is pleased with the deal. "He (Larry Bird) wanted to get me to a place where I could contend and do what I'm capable of doing,'' O'Neal told The AP. "We both agreed that the timing was perfect. His focus on getting them (the Pacers) to a leavel where they can grow and start to be competitive was tremendous.''

He and Toronto's Chris Bosh will be a high-scoring frontcourt. Whereas last season during the playoffs, the Orlando Magic were concerned about Toronto's backcourt, now the frontcourt will be a concern.

"I think playing alongside Chris Bosh gives us a different dynamic,'' O'Neal said. "You look at teams in the NBA, you look at their low-post players, and they always have one good player, and when that good player goes out, you can change your defense a little bit and load up on other areas. Even with us starting out the games together, one of us will always be on the floor. You won't get a chance to adjust your defense.''

O'Neal said he thinks the Raptors now will be good enough to contend for an NBA title next season.

"You're talking about a team that's extremely athletic, extremely big at the wing positions, and they play defense,'' O'Neal said. "With my defensive mentality and ability to change the game and Chris' ability to block shots and change the game -- it's exciting.''


He's excited. I'm excited. Hell...it's only June. :oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

I'm excited about his addition as well, but was he thinking correctly when he made that statement? Did he happen to catch the Orlando series? :oldlol: Well in any case, i'm hoping he can be like what KG was to the Celtics (obviously not as good) but to bring a defensive mentality and mindset to this young offensive oriented Toronto team.

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Just glad he's into it, and that he recognizes the Raptors can be a great team. Last thing we needed was another Alonzo Mourning-esque noshow.

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Not sure about that..still think they need a scorer at the three spot

Trade Bargs?

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Top 4 in the East guaranteed if JO is healthy IMO, and at the very least the 2nd round of the playoffs. And Colangelo isn't finished either, so the best may be yet to come.

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

this is my favourite part:


his knee has a lot less mileage than a lot of 13 year players...

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Wow what a great mentality you know he is a winner when he says something like that. If we could add another asset we will be contenders in the NBA. J.O gets us 2 blocks a game, 10 rebounds, 20 points when healthy and should fit in and open up the shooters that we have Kapono, Parker, Should open up Bargs really well, delfino, and Calderon. If we could get a slasher watch out!

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Hopefully BC will manage to get a slasher with the MLE.... Childress, Pietrus, or even Nachbar

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

lets add bargnani to the deal and we will have jarret jack and brandon rush off them (aquaired last night)

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

I really like Pietrus and Nachbar...they'd be really good pickups....two other names to throw out there we may be able to get cheap...Matt Barnes and Azibuike (sp?)

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Both are very good!!!!

Barnes can shoot the three as well

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Pietrus is the only one of those that I would start over Moon.

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Pietrus > Moon > Childress?

IMO Pietrus > Childress > Moon

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

I was talking about the Nachbar, Banes, Azibuike Pietrus post.

Re: First Words From JO Regarding Trade.
 

Any of those wings would make us pretty darm solid. Any of Barnes, Pietrus, Childress, Azu can start for this team I think at the 2 or 3 depending on the player (Barnes 3 etc). We'd have Parker, Moon and Kapono filling out the 4 man wing rotation which is solid. I just think Moon is too ineffective at scoring to start...but I guess if we had a better scorer at the 2 then Parker then Moon at the 3 is all good, with Kapono backing him up.

Azu can score....could be a diamond in the rough.