Dropping Dimes Draft Blog: Round 2, Pick 7 Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers

There she is. Damn she is so sexy, but in a classy way. You have been eyeing her from afar and she knows it. She’s a heart-breaker and will leave you broke, but you are still intrigued. “Maybe it will be different,” you tell yourself knowing that the time that will be spent with her will be awesome, but how long before she leaves? Sound familiar? Welcome potential Jermaine O’Neal owners. The allure of a versatile PF/C that is capable of 20-10-2 can be overpowering, however, the strong possibility of an injury can break your heart. 

So Sexy…

Since his second season in Indiana (‘01-’02), Jermaine O’Neal has been averaging close to 20 points and 10 rebounds and over 2 blocks per game. Last year, JON averaged 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. His field goal percentage was 47.2% which was an improvement from the previous year (45.2%). His free throw percentage was 70.9% with 9.3 trips to the line. In the previous two seasons, JON’s FT% average was 75%. Increased efficiency from the line is very realistic for Jermaine O’Neal unlike the other O’Neal in Miami. The dynamic of the Pacers have changed this past offseason with new additions - Al Harrington and Marquis Daniels. Despite the new additions, Jermaine will still be the focal point of the Pacer’s offense and will get his shots. JON will still be rubbing elbows with the elite bigs in the 20-10 fraternity this season.  With the extra help on offense, it is quite possible that JON will improve on his 2.6 assists to over 3 dimes and increase to his FG% to over 48% this season.

What A Biznitch…

In the past two seasons, Jermaine O’Neal has missed 69 games. In ’04-’05, JON missed 15 games because of “The Malice at the Palace” (originally it was a 25-game suspension, but an arbitrator reduced the sentence by 10 games). He missed another 23 games that season mostly due to a bum shoulder.  Last year (‘05-’06) he missed 31 games due to a nagging groin injury. Jermaine will turn 28 years old in October, however he’s as injury prone as a 33 year old, slightly overweight, part-time fantasy basketball writer. Oh crap, there goes my knee again! 

If your league counts turnovers then Jermaine does not have his Sexy On. JON averaged more turnovers per game (3.0) than all previous BIGs selected in the draft.

Final Word:

Jermaine O’Neal could reward your fantasy team if he can stay healthy OR he could cripple your team with a lengthy injury. Here’s hoping that Jermaine O’Neal rewards your faith and treats your fantasy team like Charlize Theron, whose been with Stuart Townsend since 2001 and not like Paris Hilton!

Team Review:

In a 12-team league with a two centers format, it is a rare luxury to have a 20-10-2 player styling in one of your center spots.  Dwyane Wade and Jermaine O’Neal helps fill the PG and C roster spots, with the versatility of shifting to the SG or PF spots depending on how the rest of the draft unfolds. 

Other Team Members
1.6. Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat