Now that the Dallas Mavericks are bringing Amar’e Stoudemire onboard, Jermaine O’Neal’s NBA comeback attempt has been put on hold (perhaps permanently.)
O’Neal informed the hoops world via Instagram Monday night that he’s no longer seeking a contract in the L.
The 18-year veteran says his basketball future is murky at best.
But the best part of this process was walking out of the gym after every workout knowing that I could still play the game after 18 long years and hearing the teams that seen me workout all agreeing with that statement.
Every team that wanted me to sign are all championship contending teams and in order to except their offer i need to be 100% ready to go physically and mentally from the time that I sign that contract with no room for error beyond that point. I don’t feel like I’m at that position now with just 7 weeks of training and I’m not comfortable making that commitment at this point. The issue for me is timing and things feeling right. I’m a true believer of signs and listening and understanding life.
I’m not sure if there will ever be another time or not for me and basketball but what I do know at this moment is the time isn’t right for me to play now. But just know I gave everything I had these last 7 weeks and I greatly appreciate each and every one of you guys for the positive words of encouragement thru my process……