RAPTORS GET JERMAINE O'NEAL
The Toronto Raptors acquired forward/center Jermaine O'Neal and a second-round draft pick in 2008 from the Indiana Pacers for guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, forward Maceo Baston and a first-round draft pick in 2008.
What does it give the Toronto Raptors
In O'Neal the Raptors get an aging and injury-prone center, but a truly elite player when he's healthy. Toronto's biggest need in recent seasons has been for a consistent rebounder and low-post scorer at center, and when O'Neal isn't limping he is one of the best big-men on the planet. He has the goods to really open things up for Toronto's perimeter shooters, and is exactly what the doctor ordered for this team. It may seem the Raps are giving up a lot, but Nesterovic only had a brief period of dominant play, Ford was expendable because of Jose Calderon, and the No.17 overall draft pick wouldn't have brought an O'Neal. A great deal for Toronto.
What does it give the Indiana Pacers
This is a solid all-round move for the Pacers. O'Neal was somewhat spinning his wheels in Indy over the past few seasons and needed a change of scenery, and his huge contract was limiting the Pacers' ability to rebuild. Meanwhile, Ford is a mostly upbeat and up-tempo player who can be the answer for them running the offense after all the trouble they've had with Jamaal Tinsley. Rasho is an underrated player who can help them shore up the paint, and the No.17 pick will help with their rebuilding project. A nice overall maneuver.
Fantasy impact
