Jermaine O'Neal verified assumptions that he will have surgery soon to repair his left knee which limited his game over the last two months of the season.
O'Neal, speaking at a news conference at Conseco Fieldhouse today, said he was kneed in the Pacers' game at Memphis on Feb. 3.
He practiced only once the rest of the season, but played in most of the games.
"The doctors said I needed surgery, but I chose to stay with the team and make a push (for the playoffs)," O'Neal said.
That should keep J.O. trade value in limbo for a little bit. I'm sure teams will be willing to take a risk on J.O. if they can get him on the cheap, but if the Pacers trade J.O. they need to get big time value in return.