You can count retired NBA great Jermaine O’Neal among those who can see big things on the horizon for the Utah Jazz.
To say that Jermaine O’Neal understands what it takes to win basketball games is a massive understatement. As the go-to guy for the Indiana Pacers clubs of the early 2000s, he played in 50 playoff games, which represents just one half of his career postseason experience.
And right now, he sees a winner in the Utah Jazz. Perhaps even a big winner.
In speaking with Chris Sheridan for GetMoreSports about sleeper teams in the Wild West, O’Neal identified the Jazz as the squad that could eventually dislodge the Golden State Warriors from their perch atop the Association.
Said O’Neal —
"“They have a great young nucleus, they’re well-coached, and they’ve improved every year to the point where they’re primed to take the next step. I think there are quite a few teams out there like that, but that one in particular. They were one of few teams to beat Golden State multiple times last season. So they are equipped for it, they just need that maturity to take the next step.“Maturity is measured in years under your belt, and I think those guys are getting those years that they need to compete in a tough Western Conference.”"
When the 39-year-old O’Neal talks about “getting those years,” he speaks from a place of experience. Few players in recent league history exemplified the journey from the folly of youth to getting buckets on the biggest stage.
O’Neal entered the league right out of high school after the Portland Trail Blazers took a flier on him with the 17th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. However, over four years in PDX, he only started in 18 games and averaged just 3.9 points in 11.5 minutes per contest.
He finally broke out in year six, putting up 19 points, 11 boards and more than two blocks per game for the Pacers. Over the next few years, as players like Jamaal Tinsley, Ron Artest, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson and Brad Miller approached their primes, Indy was a mainstay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
The Jazz are making similar leaps right now and have a talented mix of young and maturing players. However, with Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell leading the way, their ceiling may be higher than the Pacer teams of old.
In any case, the litany of basketball minds taking note of the Jazz band continues to grow by the day.
For the full O’Neal interview, check out GetMoreSports.