O'Neal talks about the trade
O'Neal confirmed the trade Thursday, saying he was pleased with the move by
team president Larry Bird.
"He wanted to get me to a place where I could contend and do what I'm capable
of doing," O'Neal told The Associated Press. "We both agreed that the timing
was perfect. His focus on getting them [the Pacers] to a level where they can
grow and start to be competitive was tremendous."
O'Neal wasn't surprised by the trade.
"I knew last year that this time would be coming," he said.
O'Neal said he took his physical Wednesday, but he wasn't sure if Ford had
finished his.
O'Neal, who will turn 30 before entering his 13th season, has a contract
paying him more than $44 million over the next two seasons. He will be a part
of a powerhouse front line with All-Star forward Chris Bosh.
"I think playing alongside Chris Bosh gives us a different dynamic," O'Neal
said. "You look at teams in the NBA, you look at their low-post players, and
they always have one good player, and when that good player goes out, you can
change your defense a little bit and load up on other areas. Even with us
starting out the games together, one of us will always be on the floor. You
won't get a chance to adjust your defense."
That's one of the main reasons he believes the Raptors can contend for an
NBA title next season.
"You're talking about a team that's extremely athletic, extremely big at the
wing positions, and they play defense," O'Neal said. "With my defensive
mentality and ability to change the game and Chris' ability to block shots
and change the game -- it's exciting."
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