O’Brien Says Jermaine Should Be Back Soon

The “Indianapolis Star” Tuesday reported that Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien believes that Pacers big man Jermaine O’Neal should be back on the court sooner than later. Last week the 29 year old veteran said that he was not ruling out missing the rest of the season in order for his ailing left knee. O’Brien?replied to reporters questions with this response “I’m proceeding with the assumption of what our medical people tell me. They feel it’s a bone bruise that can be cleaned up and he’ll be ready to go.”

If that is the case than O’Neal would be back in a little over 2 weeks. O’Neal when further questioned by the media, said that he was not contradicting what the Pacers first year head coach is saying. However he said he did not want to feel the pressure of any imposed time table. What O’Brien finds himself in the middle of is a “Spitting War” between O’Neal and team executives Donnie Walsh and Larry Bird. There has long been specualtion that O’Neal holds deep resentment towards the Pacers franchise for Bird terminating the contract of former coach Isiah Thomas, shortly after O’Neal inked a new pact with the team. O’Neal has always had great admiration and respect for Zeke, and credits him for turning the young O’Neal’s career around. It could very well be that long lingering resentment that is causing the controversy about?Jermaine’s return.