J.O. Wants to Be a Knick
Photo. Steve HillYesterday, we linked to a story about Jermaine O’Neal and his belief that he will be an All-Star again next season.
Now today in the New York Daily News, O’Neal says that he knows the Pacers are shopping him and that New York would be a preferred destination:
While most of the Knicks act and talk like they want nothing to do with Isiah Thomas, Pacers forward/center Jermaine O’Neal has made it clear that he would gladly accept a trade to New York.
“I think in this business you got to be willing to believe at some point, if your team struggles you are going to be traded,” O’Neal said after the Pacers handed the Knicks their seventh straight loss on Wednesday night. “I would accept it.”
O’Neal didn’t want to directly address coming to New York out of respect for the Pacers, but said Madison Square Garden was “one of the most desired atmospheres to play in in basketball.”
According to O’Neal, the Pacers are in trade talks with several teams and it is no secret that Thomas has tried on several occasions to acquire O’Neal, whom he coached for three seasons in Indiana. O’Neal’s high school coach, George Glymph, is on Thomas’ staff.
So who would they move for J.O.? Clearly, Zach would be the choice that makes the most sense …
February 8th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
fiyaman says:
I would rather keep Zach and get rid of Curry.. trade curry for shot blocker/rebounder (i.e Dalembeast, Camby) I d go for Brand instead of JO
February 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Myrie says:
NY Knick fans have heard this for years. Every time the Pacers come into the Garden, this article is re-written. Very little merit or strength. Just a connection between player and coach.
…the difference is that the Knicks have Zach Randolph as a trade asset. And Z-bo is from Indiana. You know damn well Zach would go play there anyday.
But Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas still don’t get along too much; even after Isiah took over as Pacers coach after Bird.
Zach Randolph would be better playing alongisde Jeff Foster than he is playing with Eddy Curry. But I’m not sure Curry would be any better playing with O’Neal than he is with Zach.
Jermaine would at least give the Knicks some interior toughness; which they lack. And shot blocking where they suck–(this means you Eddy).
If the Knicks could package Stephon Marbury, Jared Jeffries (also from Indy), Zach Randolph for Jermaine O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley….I suppose both teams would really have to consider it.
But no one is NY is moved by this article….we get this every time Indy plays in NY. Means nothing.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
MiCkeY MoNDaY says:
O’Neal would be a nice addition but i think the Knicks should really try to improve at the point guard spot. Steph hasn’t been the same and Nate is a role player. They already have Zach, Curry and David Lee who i think needs to get more run.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Liken MySack says:
J.O. needs a trip to the D-League.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
mrcanadian says:
another $100 million man who can’t even take his team to the playoffs is welcoming a trade. i’m sure he welcomed cashing those checks too. why would the knicks even want this guy? I ‘d take Gadzuric over this chump.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
alex says:
haha two bad teams just trading bad players to each other. it doesn’t matter who gets who, they’re all knuckleheads