Jermaine O'Neal

Jermaine O'Neal is an All-Star power forward/center for the Indiana Pacers.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 13, 1978
2. Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
3. Height: 6-11
4. Weight: 226 lbs
5. Power Forward / Center
6. High School: Eau Claire
7. Draft Year: 1996
8. College: None

Early Life

Jermaine O'Neal was born in Columbia, South Carolina on October 13, 1978. He attended high school at Eau Claire High School where he would garner the interest of NBA Scouts. In 1996, after graduating high school he decided to forgo college and declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft.

Pro Career

O'Neal would be selected with the 17th pick in the 1996 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Blazers, O'Neal would struggle to crack the veteran filled rotation. At the time of his rookie season, he was the youngest player to appear in an NBA Game. His prowess would be displayed in practice, but with players Rasheed Wallace and Scottie Pippen ahead of him in the depth chart it became apparent that O'Neal would not make his mark with the Blazers. In 2000, O'Neal would be traded with Joe Kleine to the Indiana Pacers for forward Dale Davis. He would quickly establish himself as an elite player in the league. In 2002, O'Neal was awarded the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award and was selected to his first of six All-Star Games. In 2004, he would be involved in the infamous Pacers Pistons Brawl and would be suspended for 25 games. He has since been plagued with injuries and has been unable to recapture his all-star form.

Jermaine O'Neal Timeline

• October 13, 1978: Born
• 1996: Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers
• 2000: Traded to Indiana Pacers
• 2002: Played for U.S.A. Men's Basketball Team
• 2004: Suspended 25 games for participation in Pacers Pistons Brawl

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