With Rasheed Wallace headed down that old dusty trail of retirement, the Boston Celtics added another round of ammunition by signing Jermaine O'neal (number 25 on the Big Board) to a 2 year, $12 million contract. O'neal was an All-Star and maybe even an MVP candidate in Indiana a few years ago before injuries started to set in. He spent last year in Miami, putting up 13 points and 7 rebounds a game. I love this signing for Boston. Love it. In fact, I love everything that Boston is doing these days. Danny Ainge is the most underrated GM in the NBA. They know their window is closing but until it's closed, they have just as much chance of winning a title as anyone. O'neal is a perfect fit in Boston. If Kendrick Perkins has trouble recovering from his injury in the playoffs, O'neal can start and fill the center position admirably. When Perkins is back, O'neal transitions back to the 6th man role and gives you instant credibility off the bench. He had a down year in Miami but he can still pour in 12 points a game for a good team, as well as rebounding, and contributing on defense, where he is an underrated talent. Best of all, in an offseason that has brought out some seriously ridiculous money, O'neal at $6 million is a great deal.
Grade: A
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