(Photo by Mitchell Leff/BIG3/Getty Images)
The NBA is filled with important role players who have helped their teams find serious success.
One of those players is Jermaine O’Neal.
During his 18 years in the league, he played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and finally the Golden State Warriors.
On Friday morning, the Pacers gave a huge shoutout to O’Neal, celebrating his 45th birthday.
join us in wishing a happy birthday to Pacers legend Jermaine O’Neal pic.twitter.com/kVdNzDs050
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 13, 2023
O’Neal spent eight important years with the Pacers so it’s not shocking to see the team highlighting his big day.
Upon their tweet, a bunch of fans came out on social media to talk about O’Neal and how special he is.
Nearly everyone wished O’Neal a happy birthday.
Happy Birthday JO!
— сhase (@ChaseHoops_) October 13, 2023
Happy birthday Jermaine
— WJBuzzard ✞ (@WJBuzzard) October 13, 2023
But there were many others who were pleading with Indiana to officially retire O’Neal’s No. 7.
During his time in Indiana, he averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2 assists.
He also earned six All-Star appearances during his stint with the Pacers and helped them be a continual presence in the playoffs.
When you gonna retire his jersey?
— Fox (@Fox116074) October 13, 2023
Indeed, many people believe that it’s time for the Pacers to retire his jersey and let it hang from the rafters.
Put his number in the rafters
— x- Matt Jackson (@Mcbearcat7557) October 13, 2023
It was recently announced that Pacers star Buddy Hield is changing his number from 24 to 7.
That means that O’Neal’s 7 won’t be in Indiana’s rafters any time soon.
Will his 45th birthday perhaps convince the team to change their minds and finally do it?
The post Fans Are Celebrating Special Day For 1 Pacers Legend appeared first on The Cold Wire.