Jermaine Lee O'Neal Sr. is an American former professional basketball player. A center/power forward, he had a successful high school career and declared his eligibility for the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school. O'Neal, at just 17 years of age, was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 17th overall pick, and played his first professional game at 18. At the time, he was the youngest player to ever play an NBA game.
O'Neal with the Golden State Warriors in 2014
O'Neal spent one-and-a-half seasons with the Miami Heat.
O'Neal with the Celtics in 2011
The 1996 NBA draft was the 50th draft in the National Basketball Association (NBA). It was held on June 26, 1996 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In this draft, NBA teams took turns selecting college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and non-North American leagues. The Vancouver Grizzlies had the highest probability to win the NBA draft lottery, but since they were an expansion team along with the Toronto Raptors, they were not allowed to select first in this draft. The team with the second-highest probability, the Philadelphia 76ers, won the lottery and obtained the first selection. The Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies were second and third, respectively.
Allen Iverson was selected 1st overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Marcus Camby was selected 2nd overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim was selected 3rd overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies.
Stephon Marbury was selected 4th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks (traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves).