Celtics Jermaine O'Neal Practices
BOSTON (CBS) - It is not the O'Neal Celtics fans were hoping would return, but Jermaine O'Neal hit the floor for the first time Wednesday since having knee surgery over two months ago.
O'Neal practiced with the Celtics Wednesday afternoon and hopes to see some action Thursday night when the C's visit the San Antonio Spurs.
The 32-year-old center has been sidelined since January 10th and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in February. O'Neal has played in just 17 games for Boston, averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds-per-game.
Read: Celtics Playoff Tickets On Sale Thursday
Jermaine was signed during the off-season, along with center Shaquille O'Neal, to provide the Celtics with depth while Kendrick Perkins recovered from ACL surgery. With the Celtics trading Perkins at the NBA trade-deadline, now they will rely on the two O'Neal's and Nenad Krstic at center for the playoffs.
The day after undergoing surgery, O'Neal tweeted "I know I haven't been out there much this year, but I promise I will be there when the Cs need me the most! That I guarantee!"
Listen: Gary Washburn Talks O"Neals, Celtics Playoffs on Toucher & Rich
On his weekly call into 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich Wednesday morning, the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn said O'Neal has looked pretty good, and is intrigued to see how he does in practice.
"He looks fine, he looks like he lost weight," Washburn said. "He's kept himself in decent condition. It looks like he can play. Whether he's productive or not, who knows? He's not dragging his left leg like he was and he seems to be a little more upbeat and confident now that he's had the surgery."
