HoopsHype.com Rumors

Among them, sources said, is O'Neal's concern about what his role will be under the new coach. Though O'Neal and Hunter never had any personal issues before, sources said O'Neal's concern may have stemmed from his sense of loyalty to Alvin Gentry, who was removed last week in what the team described as a mutual parting of the ways. Another player said to be upset with Gentry's removal is point guard Goran Dragic, a league source said. CBSSports.com

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal, Goran Dragic, Lance Blanks, Alvin Gentry 

Paul Coro: Jermaine O'Neal missed practice today with an unstated medical issue and said he is unable to make the #Suns trip to Sacramento. Twitter @paulcoro

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal 

But when he does retire, which could be any year now for the 34-year-old veteran, he wants to retire as a Pacer. O’Neal was back at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday as a backup center with the Phoenix Suns. “I would be honored if the organization would allow me to (retire with them), the city allowed me to do that,” O’Neal said. “I can go anywhere in the world and people recognize me from my Pacers days. My heart and soul is here, and if I can get an opportunity to retire as a Pacer that would be fantastic.” Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal 

Paul Coro: After a workout, Jermaine O'Neal said he'll play tonight for the #Suns after missing Sunday at NY (quad strain). Tony Allen is out for Griz. Twitter @paulcoro

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal, Injuries 

Following the game, Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts did something he has never done during his brief tenure as the team's coach...he called out one of his players. “He (Meyers Leonard) needs to work on his individual post defense,” Stotts said. Gortat scored on him, Jermaine O'Neal scored on him. He's trying, but right now, he's a poor post defender one-on-one.” Stotts is clearly trying to send a message with those comments. But you won't hear Leonard disagreeing with his coach's critique. “I got to get better at defense,” Leonard admitted. “It's a learning process. I got to have better anticipation, better everything. So we just as a team, got to get better and definitely for myself.” CSNNW.com

Portland Trail Blazers, Jermaine O'Neal, Meyers Leonard, Terry Stotts 

Paul Coro: Jermaine O'Neal left Miami today to attend to a family matter. He will also miss Wednesday's game at Charlotte & rejoin the #Suns at home. Twitter @paulcoro

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal 

They also have a center in Marcin Gortat who is cocky, uncensored and prone to saying silly things. He said he wants to wear No. 13 in the future, unaware of where that number should hang. He said he'll actually thrive without Nash. And on media day, he said something that made observers truly roll their eyes. "Obviously, the main leader in the locker room is Jermaine O'Neal, who is already in charge of everything," Gortat said. USA Today

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Jermaine O'Neal 

Kevin Garnett: "The team with Shaq, Bib Baby, Kendrick Perkins, Jermaine O'Neal, Nate Robinson... That was probably the most fun I've had since I've been in the league... That team was a character. [...] There was never a dull moment in that locker room. I wish we got Shaq earlier in his career... That was a cool team." YouTube

Boston Celtics, Shaquille O'Neal, Kendrick Perkins, Nate Robinson, Jermaine O'Neal, Kevin Garnett 

Brandon Rush: Jermaine O'neal is looking real young today on the court Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Brandon Rush, Jermaine O'Neal 

Jermaine O'Neal: Body is really responding in a major way!Haven't been able to do dead lifts in 6 years because of the knee! God is good http://t.co/hKMNgz7m Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal, Injuries 

Paul Coro: Jermaine O'Neal said Grant Hill pushed the #Suns & their trainers into his mind while they underwent knee treatment in Germany this summer. Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal, Grant Hill 

The Phoenix Suns have signed 16-year NBA veteran center Jermaine O’Neal, the club announced today. “We are pleased that Jermaine will continue his successful NBA career in Phoenix,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “We look forward to his contributions not only on the floor but as a veteran leader on our team.” HoopsWorld

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Jermaine O'Neal 

Kevin Pelton: Fun Jermaine O'Neal fact: He missed more games due to injury last year than the Suns did as a team. Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Jermaine O'Neal 

Paul Coro: Free agent center Jermaine O'Neal has agreed to sign with the #Suns. Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Jermaine O'Neal 

Jared Dudley: Just finished my workout with @CJ Watson and A.Wright and now watching @Jermaine O'Neal workout!! This man looking 5 yrs younger!!! Wow!!! Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Jared Dudley, CJ Watson, Jermaine O'Neal 

“That’s the only goal,” O’Neal said. “Winning a championship is the only goal. There’s no guarantee in this league, everything has to go right to win. I know that personally. It’s not about money because if I sign, it will be for the minimum. I’ve made a ton of money in this league. The NBA has been very good to me and my family so it’s not about that. It’s about being healthy and being strong. And again this is by far the best I’ve felt in five years. Between the treatment in Germany and my coaches here, strength and conditioning coaches and basketball coaches, it’s been a really good relationship between the three. I’m looking forward to it we’ll see what happens.” HoopsWorld

Free Agency, Jermaine O'Neal 

“I’m not stupid, I don’t think I can go for 20 every night anymore, but I do believe I can go for 20 on any given night. It’s just about finding a position whether it’s coming off the bench or starting, whether its 15 minutes or 30 minutes, whatever the coaches ask you to do it’s just about having the opportunity to be yourself. I just want to get to the level that I know I’m physically right. HoopsWorld

Free Agency, Jermaine O'Neal 

Alex Kennedy: Jermaine O'Neal said that Boston wasn't a good fit for him. He's looking forward to finding a situation where he can have a better role. Twitter

Boston Celtics, Free Agency, Jermaine O'Neal 

Gary Washburn: Jermaine O'Neal tells the Globe he feels there's "no way" Ray Allen left the #celtics because of his relationship with Rajon Rondo Twitter

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal 

Alex Kennedy: Jermaine O'Neal just finished his workout. Now he's talking with Mitch Kupchak and Mike Brown. Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Mitch Kupchak, Mike Brown, Jermaine O'Neal