NBA Draft: Redrafting the 1996 NBA draft class

With the 6th overall pick, the Boston Celtics select Jermaine O'Neal

Jermaine O'Neal (L) with a block against the Memphis Grizzlies

Jermaine O'Neal was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 16th overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He rode the bench for the Blazers in 4 years when they were contending for a championship, as he was behind several veterans on the rotation. He emerged as a starting-caliber player with the Indian Pacers in the 2000-01 season, before elevating his play the following season and winning the Most Improved Player award for the 2001-02 season.

O'Neal made it to 6 straight All Star games while playing for the Pacers (2002-2007). He finished 3rd in the MVP voting for the 2003-04 season with season averages of 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.6 blocks. O'Neal was voted to 3 All-NBA teams from 2002-2004.

He remained a valuable contributor to his teams right till the end of his career in 2014. O'Neal has a 31.8% probability of making it to the Hall of Fame according to Basketball Reference.