Golden State Warriors Mailbag: Lee, Bogut, O’Neal
Feb 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Jermaine O’Neal (7) reacts after a dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
To clarify, I responded to Edgar to see if he meant to ask if Jermaine O’Neal will return to the NBA or to the Warriors, and Edgar said he wants to know if O’Neal will return to the Warriors.
At the end of last season, I was hoping that if O’Neal decided to retire, that he could possibly return to the Warriors in some sort of coaching capacity, purely because of his motivational talents and his veteran experience and wisdom.
Reports surfaced recently that the Dallas Mavericks (along with the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers) are interested in signing O’Neal to solve their problem of lack of frontcourt depth, as they traded away key reserve Brandan Wright in the deal to acquire Rajon Rondo.
Although O’Neal hasn’t officially retired, he’s currently debating whether or not he wants to return to the NBA, as he’s enjoying more time with his family right now.
My decision will not be based off any personal relationships with a cityor organization which will be tuff because Ofthe love I got for them
— Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) December 23, 2014
But I love my family more than I love life itself and they will have the final say on my playing career or the closing of my bball career!
— Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) December 23, 2014
There were reports a couple weeks ago that O’Neal will make his decision in January, after the holidays, so even though O’Neal spoke over Twitter today about his decision, it’s unclear whether or not he’ll actually decide soon.
I believe that if O’Neal returns to the NBA, he’ll most likely sign with the Mavericks, as he currently resides in Dallas and before he signed with the Warriors, he almost chose to sign with the Mavericks instead.
However, the Warriors should definitely be considered the number two option. O’Neal was a fan favorite during his time with the Warriors, and he had a solid season with the Warriors last year, as he posted averages of 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game.
Warriors fans would love to see O’Neal come back, as he brought passion, veteran experience, and toughness to the Warriors. However, it seems more likely that if O’Neal returns, and that’s a big if, he will sign with the Mavericks.