Jermaine O'Neal Not Ready for NBA Return

Jermaine O'Neal, who's been training privately in a Dallas suburb since early in 2015 posted this instagram earlier today:

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......

Several news outlets have picked up on the story including ESPN.  A source told ESPNDallas.com that the Mavericks had hoped to add both Amar'e Stoudemire and Jermaine O'Neal to their team and they would still like to have him if he reconsiders.

Rick Carlisle, Mavericks coach, said that they met with O'Neal right after the Rajon Rondo trade and discussed his playing for Dallas.  Carlisle understood there were no guarantees and talked about O'Neal travelling to Germany for treatment on his knees.  Ultimately, Carlisle was to be disappointed and had this to say on the news today:

"Unfortunately it was not meant to be right now, but my relationship with him goes back for almost two decades, so we want to keep all communication open for the possibility he could play with us next year."

O'Neal was a six-time All-Star and played four seasons for Carlisle.  During his career O'Neal averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

A Hat tip to "thankyouforblaze" for posting this earlier today.