Jermaine O'Neal will need surgery on his fractured left wrist, this according to Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge. O'Neal suffered the injury in Game 1 of the Celtics' first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
O'Neal averaged 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 24 regular season games this year and averaged only slightly better numbers in the postseason, totaling 5.7 points per game and 4.2 boards per contest in nine playoff games.
The injury affected O'Neal's ability to finish inside, which he normally does with his left hand. "Jermaine is left-handed," Ainge said. "Most people don't know this. He dunks and finishes and drives, he does everything with his left hand." (via WEEI)
In addition to his wrist injury, O'Neal suffered a back injury after falling into a camera well during Boston's second round series with the Miami Heat. O'Neal played in all five games against the Heat, averaging six points and 4.4 rebounds.
O'Neal is signed through the 2011-12 season and is slated to make $6 million next year, but told reporters he will wait and take time off before making a decision about returning for next season, although he told WEEI.com that he feels that his body could withstand another NBA season.