This summer, the Golden State Warriors signed six-time All-Star Jermaine O’Neal. O’Neal, who will turn 35 in October—ancient by NBA standards—will be entering his 18th season in the league.
Last season with the Phoenix Suns, O’Neal averaged 8.3 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists. During his 2009-10 season with the Suns, he averaged more than 15 points per 36 minutes.
Although it’s unlikely due to his age, O’Neal could end up putting up similar stats due to his vitality and the Warriors’ lack of other experienced big men. O’Neal recently said that once his son agreed to take care of the house while O’Neal played away from home, he knew he’d be able to put everything he has into this season.
Much like Bogut, O’Neal has dealt with a number of injuries over the course of his career. Last season, O’Neal missed 27 games because of minor injuries, but fortunately O’Neal is healthy at the moment. With Festus Ezeli out for several months after knee surgery, O’Neal will be a vital player for the Warriors off of the bench. If O’Neal were to get injured during this season, injury-prone Andrew Bogut and the undersized Mareese Speights will be the only centers with NBA experience available until Ezeli returns.
O’Neal has always been a strong defender. He has the 26th highest blocks per game out of all currently active NBA players, and the 13th-highest block percentage. He is a strong interior defender and will be able to improve Golden State’s game at both ends of the court.
With all their new acquisitions, the Warriors are looking better than ever. This six-time All-Star has the chance to get his first ring, and if all goes well he could finish out his career with an elite Golden State Warriors team.
Do you want to "get to know" more of the new Warriors? Follow the links below:
Get to know your Warriors: Andre Iguodala
Get to know your Warriors: Seth Curry
Get to know your Warriors: Toney Douglas
Get to know your Warriors: Marreese Speights
Get to know your Warriors: Nemanja Nedovic
Get to know your Warriors: Ognjen Kuzmic
Get to know your Warriors: Dewayne Dedmon
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