Suns sign Jermaine O'Neal

Aug 15, 2012 - 4:58 PM Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - The Phoenix Suns signed veteran center Jermaine O'Neal on Wednesday.

O'Neal, who has been in the league since 1996, played in 25 games for the Boston Celtics last season and averaged 5.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

"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."

Originally selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 17th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, O'Neal owns career averages of 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 912 games (680 starts) with the Trail Blazers (1996-2000), Indiana Pacers (2000-08), Toronto Raptors (2008-09), Miami Heat (2009-10) and Celtics (2010-12).

The 33-year-old O'Neal is a six-time NBA All-Star (2002-07). He also won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2002.

Additionally, the Suns waived center Brad Miller and guard Jerome Dyson, whose contracts were acquired from the New Orleans Hornets on July 27 in a three- team trade.