Jermaine O’Neal, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Indiana Pacers history, recently shared his disappointment over Buddy Hield’s decision to wear his former jersey number, #7. Despite expressing his admiration for Hield’s skills and work ethic, O’Neal voiced his disappointment with the lack of recognition shown by the Pacers towards their franchise’s greatest players both on and off the court.
Key Takeaway
Jermaine O’Neal expressed disappointment with the Indiana Pacers for not recognizing and celebrating their most accomplished players, such as himself, in the same way other teams do.
O’Neal’s Frustration with the Pacers’ Lack of Recognition
When news broke that Buddy Hield, who joined the Pacers in 2022, would be changing his number from 24 to 7, O’Neal’s disappointment became evident. As a former first-round draft pick and a standout player during his time with Oklahoma, Hield has shown promise and potential.
However, it was O’Neal’s attachment to the number 7 during his eight seasons with the Pacers that led to his disappointment. Throughout his tenure with the team, O’Neal was a dominant force on the court, averaging nearly 19 points per game and earning six All-Star selections.
The Legacy of Jermaine O’Neal
Recognized as the fifth-greatest player in Pacers history by the Indy Star, O’Neal’s ranking solidifies his place among the franchise’s legends. Only Reggie Miller, Paul George, Mel Daniels, and George McGinnis were ranked higher on the list.
While some lists even place O’Neal as the second-greatest player in the team’s history, his impact both on and off the court is undeniable. As he voiced his disappointment, O’Neal shed light on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of players who have shaped the franchise.
Awaiting a Response
Neither Buddy Hield nor the Pacers have responded to Jermaine O’Neal’s comments as of yet. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and if any agreement or resolution will be reached between O’Neal and the organization.
Jermaine O’Neal’s disappointment serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the accomplishments of players who have left a lasting impact on a franchise. Their legacies should be celebrated and acknowledged, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten over time.
