03-20-2006, 02:28 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Forward Thinking
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Long Beach, CA
Age: 29
Posts: 1,236
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O誰eal Says He値l Return "Really Soon"
Quote:
O誰eal Says He値l Return "Really Soon"
By Conrad Brunner | March 20, 2006
Jermaine O'Neal said Monday he will be back in action "really soon," and hinted that could mean this week.
Out since Jan. 24 with a torn groin muscle, O'Neal has been working out on his own for two weeks and participated in the team's last three practices, including Monday at Conseco Fieldhouse. He said his progress has been steady and strong and is optimistic he'll be back on the court in short order.
"I don't want to say a day but it's really soon," O'Neal said. "It won't be tomorrow (when the Pacers face the Grizzlies in Memphis) but it's looking really good right now."
Coach Rick Carlisle was more cautious in his assessment but didn't hide his optimism about O'Neal's progress. After playing the Grizzlies, the Pacers return home to face Chicago Wednesday, Detroit Friday and Philadelphia Sunday.
"We certainly are happy to see things going in the right direction," Carlisle said. "The sooner we can get him back, the better, but things have to be right for that to happen.
"We certainly need to get him back as soon as possible. That's not even a conversation. The rehab and conditioning have got to be right and then he'll be ready to come back. I know he's doing better but I don't know exactly where he is. He probably has the best idea. It's going to be up to him."
The Pacers have changed their personnel and offensive system since O'Neal was injured, acquiring Peja Stojakovic from Sacramento for Ron Artest. The team O'Neal left based its offense on the inside-outside effect generated from consistent low-post play. The current Pacers are oriented more towards passing, screening and cutting with more of an emphasis on transition offense.
"I think he's going to fit in great, I really do," Carlisle said. "He's had a chance to get a lot of reps the last few days with us. It should be beneficial to him, it should be beneficial to our team. The fact we have Tinsley back now makes it a positive, as well. Hopefully, at some point soon we can get everybody back on the floor, including (Scot) Pollard."
Pollard has missed the last three games with plantar fasciitis in his left foot but has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Tuesday's game in Memphis.
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The sooner the better, baby!!
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"His position is probably on the floor, playing basketball." - Indiana Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle on newly-acquired Pacers G/F Marquis Daniels
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