J.O. Returns to Practice!!..

March 17, 2006

O'Neal Returns to Practice Court

Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal practiced Thursday for the first time since tearing his left groin in late January.

"It's certainly a step in the right direction," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "He continues to make gradual progress. We just hope things continue to get better."
Carlisle said O'Neal isn't in game shape and can't predict his return.

"He's working hard to get to the point where he can come back," Carlisle said. "Hopefully it's sooner rather than later. We'll see."
O'Neal began individual workouts last week. He consistently works out with assistant coach Chuck Person after practice and before games.

"I obviously haven't played in six weeks and haven't done anything in five weeks," O'Neal said. "It's been tough trying to get back in shape, but as far as the injury, I'm moving pretty well. I'm just not in shape right now.

"My goal from the start was to get to the playoffs healthy. I'm a little bit ahead as far as returning a little bit earlier. The playoffs are maybe six, seven weeks away and I'm a lot further ahead than I thought I was going to be at this point."
O'Neal hinted at possibly returning before the playoffs.

"When I was saying the playoffs that's what we thought it was going to take for me to get back healthy," O'Neal said. "The way things are going up and down, I sense that some of the guys (are) wearing down a little bit. It really puts things ahead of schedule. I'm a key part of this team. We have a lot of good things going on out there."

The Pacers are 14-13 without O'Neal in the lineup this season.

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