"It was only one game, a big game given the circumstances, and maybe too early to draw conclusions.

But you can see the writing. Not only on the wall, but on Stan Van Gundy's clipboard.

After six-plus seasons as Magic cornerstone with Dwight Howard, point guard Jameer Nelson probably saw what everyone else did.

Gilbert Arenas has arrived (and didn't set off any metal detectors).

The only thing Arenas was packing Thursday night was an all-round game that sparked the Magic's rout of the San Antonio Spurs.

A Magic P.R. person came by in the third quarter to tell some of us media types that Nelson was sick, curious timing, given that Van Gundy had just pulled Nelson and he didn't look happy. (He later played in the final period and didn't appear to need Pepto-Bismol later).

He might feel queasier today.

Nelson could go from a full-time starter to a full-time bench player, all but completing a wholesale change in the Magic's make-up after two trades.

One trade, the riskiest by GM Otis Smith, delivered the controversial Arenas.

Van Gundy was almost too emphatic when he announced on Saturday, right after the deals, that Nelson still was the starter.

He kept that stance immediately after the Spurs game, but when asked again if Arenas could start, Stan said, "Could it change? Sure."

Even Van Gundy says that Arenas is at his best with the ball in his hands, breaking down defenses."