Assuming Jermaine returns to form, this solidifies the Toronto frontcourt, and puts them solidly in the Eastern Conference pack behind Boston and Detroit, alongside teams like Orlando and Cleveland.

And since Detroit appears ready to blow up the ship, this is a pretty good position to be in.

The Pacers needed to get something for Jermaine while his value was still high, and this is a nice package of pieces for rebuilding. If I was Indiana, I don’t know how comfortable I’d be with Ford’s injury history, given the franchise’s overall history with players at that position, but the pick is decent, and Rasho will be perfectly adequate for them up front while they search for a young player to bring up to fill their frontcourt on a more permanent basis.

just at pick 13.

I think Indiana makes out like a BANDIT. They unload J O’Neal, pick up a 25 year old point guard with some potential, and get a solid draft pick.

Got hosed….....funny stuff.

Is officially off the market then. Things get ever so slightly clearer… we’ll end up with one of just 24 different PGs, down from 25 moments ago.

this trade won’t be official ‘til 7/9/2008 - which is ‘cause T.J. Ford is a base-year compensation player through 7/1/2008 and, moreover, there’s a moratorium on trades between then and the technical beginning of the off-season - additionally, the filler will be either one or both of the Toronto Raptors’ third-string forwards, Maceo Baston and Joey Graham, who both have expiring contracts.

For the Raptors, Jermaine O’Neal is unlikely to fill its most pressing needs in the interior - and that’s notwithstanding his history of injuries, too - since he’s more of a power forwards who floats around the high-post with his face to the basket shooting mid-range jumpers, á la Chris Bosh, which makes him superfluous there. Yet, despite his health concerns, O’Neal is still a top-notch weakside help defender; thus, he’s an asset in at least one major way.

Regarding the Indiana Pacers, this blockbuster move signals the retooling process. The acquisition of T.J. Ford is the dawning of a new era at point guard, with Jamaal Tinsley being rightfully regulated to reserve duties - no matter his bloated contract, which is an undeniable anchor - unless Larry Bird can somehow manage to miraculously pawn him off on another team. As long as Ford doesn’t have any lingering issues with his back, this should work out well for Jim O’Brien and his guys.

Furthermore, Radoslav Nesterovic will form a solid platoon at center with Jeff Foster - for they’re both outstanding man-to-man low-post defenders, as well as competent on offense - come next season. Also, with the 17th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Pacers should look to add frontcourt depth at center - especially considering that David Harrison is an out‘n’out bust - therefore, a pivotman who’s got a ton of potential (e.g., DeAndre Jordan, JaVale McGee, et al.) would be a high-risk/high-reward selection.

Financially, the trade is a wash for both teams. In the short-term here, the Raptors will have a lot of money invested for the 2009-2010 season. The Pacers, however, will absorb Ford’s sizeable contract throughout the long haul. All in all, it’s a fair and balanced deal.

why do people keep trying to make him one. He plays his best as a PF. I don’t get this trade for Toronto