@@staciemohler4624 my ex is from indy and she said hes as big as larry,isiah, edge , marvin, reggie, dwight, and peyton is there in terms of popularity,legend and respect
@@ncnyc4418 Indiana was NEVER going to win the 2005 championship. Detroit and Miami were still top dogs in the east. And Duncan in San Antonio was in his prime.
@@Brian00007 Yeah, he balled out. He was a force to be reckoned with when he was healthy and even a bit beyond that. Injuries don’t make someone a bust IMO. Now, a healthy player at his peak who doesn’t perform is different.
he was nice. i loved how he would finish dunks and layups with the left hand, when he's a righty. That 4 spot was sooooo loaded in the late 90s-early 00s...damn, u had Duncan, Karl Malone (still effective), C-Webb, KG, Dirk, Sheed, JO, Joe Smith, Antoine Walker, Elton Brand, Amare, K-Mart, McDyess...sooo many ill 4's at the time
I'll never forget how nasty that punch Jermaine threw during The Malace at the Palace was. As much as I loved his game that ironically may be the one highlight of his I remember off the top of my head. Dude could've been a beast in the UFC 🤣🤣
The thing is O'Neal actually slipped on some water as he was running to the Detroit fan. If he was running at full speed, we would have a Deontay Wilder type of knockout from Jermaine.
@@meharinationsportspodcast2582 him and stephen jackson both got hands on them, the two piece stak put on that one fan was sick lol...i said back then artest had a right to be upset, no matter what you dont just throw beer at a grown man like that plus ron always did that before he got in , theres videos of him doing that before he got off the bench , its just he did it that day and tried ben wallace in the palace which he shouldnt of and he got the wrong person it was the girl who threw it its why she looked spooked
Nah, he did the right thing making the jump out of Highschool. Injuries would’ve shortened his career earlier. Maybe he would’ve been more play disciplined, but really no other benefit.
I remember J.O. told my cousin "yall ever playing a game (5 on 5) I'll run with yall we can put money on it" lol. Then leaving HS one day there was J.O. sitting in Lexus with some friends of his. Talked to him for a few. Cool ass guy tho. But that was before he was in the league. 96 still the best Draft Class ever.
My man Paul Pierce and Jermaine O'Neal used to have some battles in the playoffs. This young generation doesn't know nothing about the Truth before the Big 3. Pierce buries it right in Harrington's face
Yeah, I like the fact that hes very objective when giving his reviews. While I may disagree at points, hes not coming from the viewpoint of a boy or being biased.
this man was an absolute beast he could do it all. he could not be stopped on offense he could over power you in the paint or finesse his way to a bucket with multiple post moves. and if that wasn't bad enough he could hit middies. injuries definitely hurt him and shortened his prime.
I use to love his game he was a criminal on the court stealing points on offense and his defense was awesome 18 years old and playing that young says a lot. #Legendary
Crazy good how he managed after basketball like think about schools trying to judge your intelligence off a SAT test. Making your IQ seem low yet this man is business savvy n steady growing with a mindset of great investments
I think for the most part, he had a strong career and I think about him in standout forwards from South Carolina over the last 25 years (O'Neal, Garnett, and Zion).
I been watching your videos for a minute and I wanted to say I really appreciate the message of your content, it’s important for us to share the game these lessons teach us, because a lot of people with the information don’t. So to do the research you do and paint it in the informative way you do is dope and needed. Appreciate the content.
Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Went to high school with him so I’m biased but to make it where we’re from and be a 6 time all star and make all NBA teams can’t say his growth was stunted but huge fan of your channel bro!
Definitely the best pacer of all time. 6 All Star games and arguably the best Power forward in the Eastern Conference during his prime. His early career I would consider more of a learning curve since he did come in as a big straight from HS only big I’ve seen come in and have an immediate impact are Dwight and KG.
Come on now Jermaine O’Neal played over 15 years in the NBA , coming straight outta high school he had a great career this isn’t stunted Growth to me !!
not at all; and its funny; Kobe, Oniel and LeBron and even KG all went straight from high school and Indian had another kid from high school; they all were successful in business off the court, while many players coming from college end up broke. College need to step up with financial literacy.
I saw him hit two free throws one handed after he hurt his shoulder in a game against the Nuggets before he left for the locker room, this is when he was still a Pacer, back then I wanted the Lakers to trade Bynum for him.
You hit the nail on the head about him coming out early. I think people feel like as long as you get drafted you’re good but, what type of player you are when you enter the league. Jermaine worked it out but, how many guys do you see come out a little too early and end up fizzling out. The league doesn’t have the same patience with waiting on development like college does
Also, excluding Ron Artest and his team, no one in that arena knew that if Ron were ever to have an anger episode, he’s to go to a comfortable place and cover his ears. That’s what he did, on the scorer’s table. Fans thought he was showing off, and y’all know the rest....
That Pacers team was looking to make a championship run before the brawl...man watching that shit live was the craziest shit ever. Ill never forget it.
I remember meeting Jermaine in Indianapolis while at the black expo(#iykyk), man was in the club in VIP with the iciest chain and watch I've ever seen in my life! I swear they were singing "bling bling" on his wrist and neck! LOL
As everybody knows, I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. In 1996, I was PUMPED when the Blazers drafted Jermaine O'Neal! I thought that he was going to be another Kevin Garnett! How quickly we as fans turn on guys. I was only 23 myself in 1996, and by 1999, I was calling him DNP-CNP: Did not play, because he cannot play. Now, here's the thing: I didn't like him as a Blazer, but I would have loved him as a SONIC. He could have been our starting small forward. I KNEW that Jermaine O'Neal would pan out!! Once he went to Indiana, he was averaging double figure points, and nice rebounding numbers, and on his way to All-Star appearances.
Another great on bro 👍 I really hope you can do a video on Robert Traylor. I'm gonna try to keep campaigning for the Tractor to get some recognition even though he had a very short pro career. Let's get it! 😁🙏🚜 🙏
Outside of Kermit Washington, Probably the most vicious punch I witnessed on a basketball court despite the slide. I have a few recommendations: - Marcus Pfizer - Kareem Reid - Lloyd Daniels - Mark Macon - Jamaal Tinsley - Robert Traylor - Derrick Character - Billy Owens - Moochie Norris - Luther Wright (unbelievable tragic story)
Probably my favorite player featured on stunted growth. If not for him getting limited minutes in Portland and injuries I think he would've made at least a few All NBA First Teams and All NBA Defensive First Teams. He could've been a champion DPOY as well but I still think he had a good career and still think his number should be retired.
As an Indiana resident I'm a die hard Chicago Bulls fan but I loved watching the Pacers J.O. was the best PF in the east for a few years & they DEFINITELY would've won it all in 04-05 if it wasn't for The Malace In The Palace
I live in Dallas that Drive Nation facility is top notch believe him and Tmac doing something for HS kids now..he was a good no.2 option, being a no1 was too much for him. I think going out of HS was the best decision. Especially if he couldn't qualify academically. Meaning he would be prop 48/redshirt..he would've had to do at least 2 years in college then..Joe Smith I believe was the 1st real young guy since Magic/Zeke drafted no1 as Sophomores then..he probably would've went to a stack college like Carolina, Kentucky and been off the bench his freshman year. Leaving after his redshirt soph year. My main knock on JO was he shot too many jumpers for me. Otherwise in this dominate PF era he could be in conversation behind KG/tim/dirk.. very elite..
Hell no.he had a great career.better than many others in his time.i think like 5 or 6 all 🌟 with the pacers and they where competitive.he could score 20 plus and play defense on above average level.he was really effective.people talk about his shot selection etc but i look at the hard numbers and facts and he was no doubt a top pf or center in his time no doubt about it.
"....instead of keeping the same energy he did with wallace..." 😂😂 nigga please.. ron was tryna chill but homeboy literally thru gasoline (beer) on the fire.. good vid as usual
Hey man. You’re doing great work with this channel. And you stop saying Illa-noise lol. Keep it coming. And let me get a stunted growth on Kiwane Garris from university of Illinois. And Leon Smith (King high school Chicago)
Used to love playing with the Pacers on NBA 2K3 (or was it 2K2, or maybe it was Live 2002) and Jermaine O’Neal! He look weird without the headband and braids. Anyway, Tinsley, Reggie Miller, Stephen Jackson, Ron Ron, and JO were a great team.
Probably would have benefited from 2 seasons in college. Felt he wasted away those first 4 years in Portland. Would have likely been a very early lottery pick in 98 and definitely top 3 in 99. One of the most athletic centers of all-time. Like he was Marcus Camby but with a post game. His 3 or 4 season prime was something to admire. 20ppg 11fpg 2.5bpg. If his body didnt give out on him he would have been a Hall of Famer, easily. He was the only NBA player I could remember who used to give Shaq fits one night, Ben Wallace the next and Tim Duncan the next. He was the ultimate marchup nightmare, as quick as a shooting guard who could drive past you for a power dunk or find a spot on the floor and just nail jumpers all night long. A smart player too, he obviously read the scouting reports and knew his opponents weaknessrs up and down. Remember watching him go up against the Suns during the Nash years and he kept reading Nash on his drives and would jump the passing lane to a trailing Amare Stoudamire. Ended up with like 7 steals that game in a Pacers win. Might sneak into the Hall of Fame eventually. I think because he was injured so much people forgot how lethal he was on both sides of the ball from 2000-2006 but Jermaine O'neal in his prime could ball with anybody.
Were there any more Stunts in O'Neal's Growth?
The malice at the palace.
Can you do a video on players who's growth was NOT stunted
Can you do a video on players who's growth was NOT stunted
It started in Portland. Dunleavy never played him, told everyone ban in the day, baby face would be a fucking beast.... one #ripcity always #ripcity
Do one about Chris Porter
Jermaine o neal was a beast with Indiana Pacers he made 6 all star games.
If it wasn’t for the malice n the palace we woulda won it all that year
Averaged 20 and 10 and 2.4 blocks over 6 years
@@staciemohler4624 my ex is from indy and she said hes as big as larry,isiah, edge , marvin, reggie, dwight, and peyton is there in terms of popularity,legend and respect
@@ncnyc4418 Indiana was NEVER going to win the 2005 championship. Detroit and Miami were still top dogs in the east. And Duncan in San Antonio was in his prime.
In a way his 4 years in Portland replaced his college years if you think about it.
Never reality though about that. But would you say he would’ve atleast dominated the collegiate ranks by his junior yeay
@@miketobeast15 Depends on which school he went to and how that coach uses him. But most likely he stays no longer than 2 years.
That's true. Some would say he was a failure in Portland BUT he was training to be a pro in the NBA his first 4 years.
Plus getting paid. It was the right move
@@raifaustino Get paid when you can, and you can always return to your school later in your life……..
He just got older. He really a borderline Hall Of Famer. Was one of the best big men in the 00s.
I was so happy when he got to Indiana and started balling out
Balling out? He dealt with numerous injuries and his stats declined
@@Brian00007 Yeah, he balled out. He was a force to be reckoned with when he was healthy and even a bit beyond that. Injuries don’t make someone a bust IMO. Now, a healthy player at his peak who doesn’t perform is different.
YESSSSSS he went straight to beast mode!
@@Brian00007 Not at the beginning brah that dude played in 6 all star games playing with the Pacers WTH?!🤷🏿♂️
@@tamaku2903 not with Portland but in Indiana he was🔥
he was nice. i loved how he would finish dunks and layups with the left hand, when he's a righty. That 4 spot was sooooo loaded in the late 90s-early 00s...damn, u had Duncan, Karl Malone (still effective), C-Webb, KG, Dirk, Sheed, JO, Joe Smith, Antoine Walker, Elton Brand, Amare, K-Mart, McDyess...sooo many ill 4's at the time
if he didn’t slip we would’ve had our first dead fan!!
Man I was about to say this, imagine catchin a fade from a man thats 6'11 270
😂😂😂😂 bruh I'm laughing too hard at this
😁😂😂😂😂😂😂 underated comment✊✊
Lol Reggie said the same thing
J.O. was one of the best Pacers to put on the uniform. He was one of the reason I became a huge Pacers fan
JO!!! Gotta do Shareef Abdur-Rahim at some point though man
Jermaine O’Neal was one of my favorite big man in the early 2000’s
I'll never forget how nasty that punch Jermaine threw during The Malace at the Palace was. As much as I loved his game that ironically may be the one highlight of his I remember off the top of my head. Dude could've been a beast in the UFC 🤣🤣
The thing is O'Neal actually slipped on some water as he was running to the Detroit fan. If he was running at full speed, we would have a Deontay Wilder type of knockout from Jermaine.
@@meharinationsportspodcast2582 him and stephen jackson both got hands on them, the two piece stak put on that one fan was sick lol...i said back then artest had a right to be upset, no matter what you dont just throw beer at a grown man like that plus ron always did that before he got in , theres videos of him doing that before he got off the bench , its just he did it that day and tried ben wallace in the palace which he shouldnt of and he got the wrong person it was the girl who threw it its why she looked spooked
Jermaine was Solid Teammate The Ron Artest documentary made me gain a lot of Respect for him💯 Buddy made that sliding Punch count 🤣
Can we get a Clarence weatherspoon stunted growth? A lot of people may not know who he is but he was a rising star then fell off...
I really wanted him to get a championship. Very mature dude.
Nah, he did the right thing making the jump out of Highschool. Injuries would’ve shortened his career earlier. Maybe he would’ve been more play disciplined, but really no other benefit.
He would have developed earlier if he stayed in College for 1 year
I've actually seen J O'Neil in real life. I'm 6'3" without shoes. Bro is a tower!! Softest touch, and able to do so with both hands!!!!
Imagine being his cousin I see him be like damn you a tower and duck in the door ways at his grandma house
@@tjbelton7408 lol i bet! He has to be the tallest member of the family!
Lol he one of the tallest but his brother not that far behind though
He is a tower. I’m only 5’9 so 6’3 is tall too haha
Facts very skilled
hands down the most underrated channel on youtube
I remember J.O. told my cousin "yall ever playing a game (5 on 5) I'll run with yall we can put money on it" lol. Then leaving HS one day there was J.O. sitting in Lexus with some friends of his. Talked to him for a few. Cool ass guy tho. But that was before he was in the league. 96 still the best Draft Class ever.
We need an Andrew Bynum video if that hasn't been done already! Find it crazy how those 2 were good enough to get drafted at 17 years old
ua-cam.com/video/cdM2Gut8fYc/v-deo.html
Here it is
another one of my favorite players from the 90s! I loved to use him on NBA Live 2003. Dunking and blocking everything
I wouldn’t say stunted but he would had benefited in this era..look at Joel embid
Jamaal Tinsley stunted growth would be dope. I thought he was about to be the new Mark Jackson lol
CJ you're reaching now knock it off Jermaine O'Neal is certified 💯
My man Paul Pierce and Jermaine O'Neal used to have some battles in the playoffs. This young generation doesn't know nothing about the Truth before the Big 3. Pierce buries it right in Harrington's face
Wasn’t stunted he’ll he played well enough to be the second highest paid behind KG during prime
He was once a candidate MVP 2004 season top 3
Yup finished 3rd
Danny Granger Plz
Started out by watching one of these stunted videos, and here I am 6 hours later(Not exaggerating either). I’m digging this channel’s content!!!!!
Yeah, I like the fact that hes very objective when giving his reviews. While I may disagree at points, hes not coming from the viewpoint of a boy or being biased.
Thanks for the shout out again people this man need to be on espn
I'm from Indiana and he was a great player for the Pacers👌
He was dominant.. only thing that stopped him was injuries
this man was an absolute beast he could do it all. he could not be stopped on offense he could over power you in the paint or finesse his way to a bucket with multiple post moves. and if that wasn't bad enough he could hit middies. injuries definitely hurt him and shortened his prime.
I use to love his game he was a criminal on the court stealing points on offense and his defense was awesome 18 years old and playing that young says a lot.
#Legendary
Crazy good how he managed after basketball like think about schools trying to judge your intelligence off a SAT test. Making your IQ seem low yet this man is business savvy n steady growing with a mindset of great investments
I think for the most part, he had a strong career and I think about him in standout forwards from South Carolina over the last 25 years (O'Neal, Garnett, and Zion).
Don't forget the X Man
Let’s see Shareef Abdul Rahim
Can u do josh childress next plz
😂😂😂😂
One of my favorite players growing up
Mines too bro
As a Pelican fan I remember drafting Nerlens Noel 6th overall but trading him for Jru Holiday. Super one sided traded Noel needs a Stunted Growth
Absolutely. One of our best trades ever.
@@2iggy_ for us😂
I been watching your videos for a minute and I wanted to say I really appreciate the message of your content, it’s important for us to share the game these lessons teach us, because a lot of people with the information don’t. So to do the research you do and paint it in the informative way you do is dope and needed. Appreciate the content.
He made 6 all star games and finished second in MVP voting he didn't get stunted he just didn't win. He had a GREAT career.
If you haven't already, I would like you to highlight Buck Williams, who was a Dennis Rodman type player with some offense
I’m from SC & remember how his high school always won the championship! I the should’ve attended college!
Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Went to high school with him so I’m biased but to make it where we’re from and be a 6 time all star and make all NBA teams can’t say his growth was stunted but huge fan of your channel bro!
Been looking for a vid like this! J O was a monster
he wanted to win a championship for reggie miller they should have won in 2005
Definitely the best pacer of all time. 6 All Star games and arguably the best Power forward in the Eastern Conference during his prime. His early career I would consider more of a learning curve since he did come in as a big straight from HS only big I’ve seen come in and have an immediate impact are Dwight and KG.
And Amare. He was 13/8 and the ROY
@@aaronhutchinson885 west
Love the channel been here for a minute never really comment 🙌🏽💙💯 From 6ix🇨🇦
Come on now Jermaine O’Neal played over 15 years in the NBA , coming straight outta high school he had a great career this isn’t stunted Growth to me !!
not at all; and its funny; Kobe, Oniel and LeBron and even KG all went straight from high school and Indian had another kid from high school; they all were successful in business off the court, while many players coming from college end up broke. College need to step up with financial literacy.
Dude I have straight up and waiting for this video forever lol
Definitely one of my favorite YoungBucks back then!!! This episode has made me smile knowing that he’s doing well for himself!! Much Respect Due!😎👍🏽👍🏽
Been waiting for this one
What about a video on Walter Berry who was a Beast for ST Johns back when Chris Mullin was with them?
Good work 😎
I disagree... He got on the job training behind then Davis boys and Wallace...
I saw him hit two free throws one handed after he hurt his shoulder in a game against the Nuggets before he left for the locker room, this is when he was still a Pacer, back then I wanted the Lakers to trade Bynum for him.
As always, great video, perfect narrator
You hit the nail on the head about him coming out early. I think people feel like as long as you get drafted you’re good but, what type of player you are when you enter the league. Jermaine worked it out but, how many guys do you see come out a little too early and end up fizzling out. The league doesn’t have the same patience with waiting on development like college does
Also, excluding Ron Artest and his team, no one in that arena knew that if Ron were ever to have an anger episode, he’s to go to a comfortable place and cover his ears. That’s what he did, on the scorer’s table. Fans thought he was showing off, and y’all know the rest....
Yooo.. great episode
That Pacers team was looking to make a championship run before the brawl...man watching that shit live was the craziest shit ever. Ill never forget it.
nice job mate
He played 18 seasons? Wow I wouldn't have thought that many - that's incredible. He was a very good player....
I remember meeting Jermaine in Indianapolis while at the black expo(#iykyk), man was in the club in VIP with the iciest chain and watch I've ever seen in my life! I swear they were singing "bling bling" on his wrist and neck! LOL
Ron Artest album thing messed us up too. He was really on some bullshit when he did that
Should definitely do Baron Davis or michael Dickerson
As everybody knows, I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. In 1996, I was PUMPED when the Blazers drafted Jermaine O'Neal! I thought that he was going to be another Kevin Garnett! How quickly we as fans turn on guys. I was only 23 myself in 1996, and by 1999, I was calling him DNP-CNP: Did not play, because he cannot play. Now, here's the thing: I didn't like him as a Blazer, but I would have loved him as a SONIC. He could have been our starting small forward. I KNEW that Jermaine O'Neal would pan out!! Once he went to Indiana, he was averaging double figure points, and nice rebounding numbers, and on his way to All-Star appearances.
Another great on bro 👍 I really hope you can do a video on Robert Traylor. I'm gonna try to keep campaigning for the Tractor to get some recognition even though he had a very short pro career. Let's get it! 😁🙏🚜 🙏
Outside of Kermit Washington, Probably the most vicious punch I witnessed on a basketball court despite the slide. I have a few recommendations:
- Marcus Pfizer
- Kareem Reid
- Lloyd Daniels
- Mark Macon
- Jamaal Tinsley
- Robert Traylor
- Derrick Character
- Billy Owens
- Moochie Norris
- Luther Wright (unbelievable tragic story)
Probably my favorite player featured on stunted growth. If not for him getting limited minutes in Portland and injuries I think he would've made at least a few All NBA First Teams and All NBA Defensive First Teams. He could've been a champion DPOY as well but I still think he had a good career and still think his number should be retired.
One of my favorite players of his era
Man please do a Ricky Davis video I used to love watching dude play
That pacers team was championship ready
I saw him a few times whenever he came back to Eau Claire
3:38 That is my favorite Andrew DeClercq highlight!!
As an Indiana resident I'm a die hard Chicago Bulls fan but I loved watching the Pacers J.O. was the best PF in the east for a few years & they DEFINITELY would've won it all in 04-05 if it wasn't for The Malace In The Palace
I watch all your videos. Entertainment 💯
He got that clean rite hook on that fan!😆💥💯
I live in Dallas that Drive Nation facility is top notch believe him and Tmac doing something for HS kids now..he was a good no.2 option, being a no1 was too much for him. I think going out of HS was the best decision. Especially if he couldn't qualify academically. Meaning he would be prop 48/redshirt..he would've had to do at least 2 years in college then..Joe Smith I believe was the 1st real young guy since Magic/Zeke drafted no1 as Sophomores then..he probably would've went to a stack college like Carolina, Kentucky and been off the bench his freshman year. Leaving after his redshirt soph year. My main knock on JO was he shot too many jumpers for me. Otherwise in this dominate PF era he could be in conversation behind KG/tim/dirk.. very elite..
Being a cavs fan, Jermaine would give us fits. I actually see some of his game in Mobley, I don't think ppl mention o'neal.
Loved J.O. in the pacers days, simpler times
One of best power forwards in the game
Hell no.he had a great career.better than many others in his time.i think like 5 or 6 all 🌟 with the pacers and they where competitive.he could score 20 plus and play defense on above average level.he was really effective.people talk about his shot selection etc but i look at the hard numbers and facts and he was no doubt a top pf or center in his time no doubt about it.
Jermaine always was a well spoken 👏young brother
"....instead of keeping the same energy he did with wallace..." 😂😂 nigga please.. ron was tryna chill but homeboy literally thru gasoline (beer) on the fire.. good vid as usual
Ron didn't want beef with Ben. He was one of the few NBA guys you can tell fought alot plus he was bigger and stronger than Ron.
@@andrebryant5081 🤣🤣 Ben was country strong
Love my South Carolina legends!!
thats hella true Ron Artest didnt want no smoke with big ben wallace that dude was probably one of the most imposing nba players ever.
If not for the malice, O’Neal would have at least one championship. Pacers need to stop disrespecting him and retire his number already
Yep because Pacers were the best team in the east and was little better than the Spurs that year.
Alan Henderson and DeJuan Blair!
Very nice way to end the video... LMAO 🤣🤣🤣
Jermaine O'Neal in my favorite basketball player
Hey man. You’re doing great work with this channel. And you stop saying Illa-noise lol. Keep it coming.
And let me get a stunted growth on Kiwane Garris from university of Illinois. And Leon Smith (King high school Chicago)
Used to love playing with the Pacers on NBA 2K3 (or was it 2K2, or maybe it was Live 2002) and Jermaine O’Neal! He look weird without the headband and braids. Anyway, Tinsley, Reggie Miller, Stephen Jackson, Ron Ron, and JO were a great team.
Liked this guy back in the day.
You should do Yi Jianlian the stretch big that had a silky smooth jumper
I'm from Paterson NJ there is two people that came to mind James Scott , Tim Thomas
Probably would have benefited from 2 seasons in college. Felt he wasted away those first 4 years in Portland. Would have likely been a very early lottery pick in 98 and definitely top 3 in 99.
One of the most athletic centers of all-time. Like he was Marcus Camby but with a post game. His 3 or 4 season prime was something to admire. 20ppg 11fpg 2.5bpg. If his body didnt give out on him he would have been a Hall of Famer, easily.
He was the only NBA player I could remember who used to give Shaq fits one night, Ben Wallace the next and Tim Duncan the next. He was the ultimate marchup nightmare, as quick as a shooting guard who could drive past you for a power dunk or find a spot on the floor and just nail jumpers all night long.
A smart player too, he obviously read the scouting reports and knew his opponents weaknessrs up and down. Remember watching him go up against the Suns during the Nash years and he kept reading Nash on his drives and would jump the passing lane to a trailing Amare Stoudamire. Ended up with like 7 steals that game in a Pacers win.
Might sneak into the Hall of Fame eventually. I think because he was injured so much people forgot how lethal he was on both sides of the ball from 2000-2006 but Jermaine O'neal in his prime could ball with anybody.
Jermaines growth was never stunted he ascended we saw it he was consistent and was a decent contributer later on in his years
all nba player but if not for malice and injuries and better roster could been a champion and a mvp player