Jermaine O'Neal's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 17th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. At just 18 years old, he was one of the youngest players to enter the league directly from high school. His early years in Portland were marked by limited playing time, as he was part of a veteran-laden team that made deep playoff runs. Despite the limited opportunities, O'Neal's potential was evident, and he gained valuable experience during his four seasons with the Trail Blazers.

In 2000, O'Neal was traded to the Indiana Pacers, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. With the Pacers, he found the opportunity to showcase his skills as a starting power forward and center. Under the guidance of coach Isiah Thomas, O'Neal's game flourished. He became a dominant force in the paint, known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and scoring. His breakout season came in 2001-2002 when he averaged 19 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, earning him the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

O'Neal's tenure with the Pacers saw him become a central figure in the team's success. He was selected to six consecutive NBA All-Star Games from 2002 to 2007 and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2004. During the 2003-2004 season, O'Neal played a crucial role in leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Detroit Pistons. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as one of the league's top big men.

The 2004-2005 season was marred by the infamous "Malice at the Palace" brawl, which resulted in a 25-game suspension for O'Neal. Despite this setback, he continued to be a productive player for the Pacers, although injuries began to take a toll on his performance and availability. In 2008, O'Neal was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he played for part of a season before being traded to the Miami Heat.

With the Heat, O'Neal provided veteran leadership and interior presence, helping the team reach the playoffs in 2009. He then signed with the Boston Celtics in 2010, where he played a supporting role for two seasons. Injuries continued to affect his playing time, but he remained a valuable asset for the teams he joined.

In the latter stages of his career, O'Neal signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2012, where he experienced a resurgence, providing solid minutes off the bench and mentoring younger players. His final NBA stop was with the Golden State Warriors during the 2013-2014 season. With the Warriors, O'Neal contributed as a veteran presence on a young and upcoming team, helping them reach the playoffs.

Jermaine O'Neal retired from professional basketball after the 2013-2014 season.

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