Jermaine O’Neal Wants To Play Now

Added on Mar 29, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Celtics center Jermaine O’Neal feels he’s healthy enough to rejoin the team and wants to play as soon as Thursday. He’s been sidelined since January after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. The 32-year-old has played in only 17 games this season, averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18 minutes a night. Despite his eagerness to return, it seems unlikely O’Neal will be cleared until this weekend at the earliest.

Head coach Doc Rivers is taking a wait and see approach with his aging and ailing front line, which includes Shaquille O’Neal, who is also on schedule to resume action shortly. Having both available for the playoffs would be an added luxury. The Celtics have struggled on the glass all season and currently rank 29th in the league. Rushing both back too soon could prove costly.

Jermaine has battled various injuries since 2004, having played 70 games only once. In 14 seasons, he’s averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 boards per game. The six-time All-Star will bring much needed size and experience when he does reenter the rotation. Keeping him and the other O’Neal healthy for the next two months could be the difference between Boston escaping the East and winning a championship.

Source: CBSSports.com