By Conrad Brunner | Sept. 30, 2004

The hyperextended knee that Jermaine O'Neal suffered during the Eastern Conference Finals kept him from completing his tour of duty with USA Basketball. But after three consecutive summers competing in international events (the 2001 Goodwill Games, the 2002 World Basketball Championship and the 2003 Tournament of the Americas), O'Neal frankly needed the break.

Not only has the time off given him the ability to fully recuperate, it should mean he'll bring fresh legs to camp for the first time since 2000.

"On the one hand, we were all disappointed for the U.S. team that Jermaine was unable to play because of injury," said Coach Rick Carlisle. "Yet, on the other hand, all of us with the Pacers franchise knew that Jermaine needed a summer where he could allow his body to recover from really what has been three straight grinding years of international play.

"We’re all, in a way, thankful he was able to do that this summer. And we felt it was essential, in order for him to be able to perform at his highest level. You can’t do what he’s done over the last three years and expect to bring the same kind of energy on the first of November every year and play at the level he’s grown accustomed to playing at. It’s just very, very difficult. "

As consistently productive as he has become -- O'Neal has averaged 20.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.39 blocked shots in the past three seasons combined -- it is intriguing to consider the possibility that his game could climb to an even higher level. Fresher legs and improved depth at center could prove the catalysts.

The primary issue at the position entering camp is the backup rotation. Jonathan Bender, now 7-1 and 240 pounds, appears physically capable of spending some time in the post. Austin Croshere, 6-10 and 242 pounds, is a veteran who has proven an effective scorer at the four, although he struggles, defensively, against power players.

"That’s why you have training camp, so the players can decide those things," Carlisle said. "I’m really even more steadfast in the belief that the coach doesn’t determine the minutes, the players do. I’m eager to let those guys fight it out and see who’s the best and who deserves it.

"We’ve got some guys that are proven players. Croshere is a guy that has been very consistent over the years playing the backup four, going back to the 2000 NBA Finals. I know Bender is going to be effective. And when we find out how David Harrison can play at center, there’s the possibility we could play very big and keep Jermaine at the four spot."

Harrison, a 7-foot, 280-pound first-round pick, could strengthen the entire front-line rotation if he proves capable of contributing at center.