Jermaine O'Neal
Had a nice conversation with Jermaine O'Neal prior to tonight's game with the Blazers. Jermaine told me that he doesn't like to talk about what happened with him in Portland because he is grateful that Bob Whitsitt drafted him and he had the opportunity to grow as a person here. He says he also grew as a player, but never was able to showcase his talents. I asked him perhaps the mistake was not in playing him, but rather in drafting him in the first place because Portland already had Brian Grant and Rasheed Wallace ahead of him.
Jermaine considers Portland his second home. He said he is still amazed that people recognize him and wish him well. He said he went to a restaurant last night and people were saying they wished he was still a Blazer.
If you want to hear what Jermaine had to say you will have to watch Sports Sunday this Sunday night after the NFL game.
Jermaine is definitely the one that got away. He's turned into a great player.
Ron
RPivo@kgw.com
