Jameer Nelson News: Pro Sports Daily

Grant Hill advised Jameer Nelson not to play in last season's NBA Finals

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November 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic fans probably don't want to hear about Phoenix Suns SF Grant Hill advising any Magic player about playing with injuries. But Hill said before facing his old club on Wednesday night that he did speak with point guard Jameer Nelson last season and encouraged his former teammate not to come back to play in the playoffs. "Put that on the record. You can ask him. I told him not to play, just from my own experience," Hill said. "Not so much from a basketball standpoint. Maybe I shouldn't have, because you don't want to plant that seed in somebody before they're going out to play. But I said, 'Look, I've been out there when [I'm] not right and even when you are right, it's a process when ..."

Shots fall in home return as Orlando Magic scorch Phoenix Suns

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November 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Sometimes the worst thing for players about the NBA marathon schedule is that there's always another game. And sometimes the best thing for players about the NBA marathon schedule is that there's always another game. In World Series parlance, they can't wait for that next at-bat after a strikeout — or in this case, a flame-out. Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and Ryan Anderson were eager to jettison the memories of Motown out of their minds from the previous 24 hours. They all erased the taste on Wednesday night at Amway Arena in a collective comeback, helping the Magic beat Phoenix 122-100 and hand the Suns their first loss. For once, this was a blessed back-to-back bounce-back after the ..."

Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson looking sharp in preseason

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October 16

Orlando Sentinel

"Jameer Nelson has made the play since childhood. He starts dribbling to his right. Then he suddenly passes the basketball across his body to the left. Nelson might have taken it for granted — until last June's NBA Finals. His right shoulder wouldn't permit him to make that particular pass. Now? No problem. "I've been able to make that pass from numerous different angles," Nelson said Thursday, a smile on his face. "Yeah, I'm fine." One of the Orlando Magic's most important goals this preseason has been to make sure their all-star point guard has recovered fully from the torn shoulder labrum he suffered last February. The entire team plays better when Nelson, the floor leader, feels ..."

Back to normal: Magic PG Jameer Nelson says he worked hard to regain old intensity

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September 28

Orlando Sentinel

"The only thing noticeably different about Jameer Nelson was his haircut. He had a hint of a Mohawk, a style change born at the light-hearted urging of his son, who sports the same 'do. Nelson plans on going back to his close-cropped, old-school cut once the Orlando Magic open training camp on Tuesday. Running a hand over his head and smiling, he said, "It's time to get serious and back to work." He also wants to resemble the point guard everyone recognizes. And, metaphorically speaking, that really is the question, isn't it? Is Jameer Nelson back to being his old self? "I feel good — normal now," he said. "I worked harder this summer than I did any summer ever because I had to. I wanted to ..."

PG Jameer Nelson's too-soon return ruining it for Magic

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June 13

Orlando Sentinel

columnist George Diaz

"The morning after feels like one of those beer-bong binges in college where you wake up at the frat house with a throbbing headache, underwear on your head and cold pizza in your pants. Makes you say, 'Whoa, dude.' Buzz kill. Forget the Advil. Pain ain't going away. O-town hurts. The Orlando Magic went on a suicide run against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Horrific to watch, the blood-splatter was everywhere: botched free throws, careless passes, defensive breakdowns and a catastrophic coaching meltdown. Other than that, how was the game, Mr. Van Gundy? Stan Van Gundy had done a superb job at shredding the sarcastic "Master of Panic" label that Shaquille O'Neal hung ..."

Magic point guard Jameer Nelson just fine with riding the pine

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June 11

Orlando Sentinel

"Jameer Nelson essentially is using the largest event in the NBA as his minicamp. The controversial Nelson experiment in the Finals hasn't gone the way the Magic had hoped. They haven't caught lightning in a bottle, much less a firefly. He'll remain Rafer Alston's backup at point guard for Game 4 tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, although Anthony Johnson might want to begin light stretching in the bullpen, just in case. Coach Stan Van Gundy seemed to turn from optimist to realist on Wednesday when asked how much longer he can stick with Nelson if he continues to struggle in his comeback. "Right now, I mean ... we're sort of down that road," Van Gundy said. One more game? Two? "It all ..."

Conditioning main concern for Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson

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June 7

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Saturday that he's still confident of the decision to insert PG Jameer Nelson into the rotation despite a four-month layoff. Smith said that while team chemistry was an issue, the chance to win a title was worth the risk of playing Nelson, who had shoulder surgery Feb. 19. "I consider the chemistry question in everything that I do. So it's not necessarily just this," Smith said. "I consider it in everything that I do. You take a chance knowing that it will have some effect on [chemistry]. But you're in the NBA Finals. And last I checked we're going to do everything we can to win it." He said he wasn't overly concerned about Nelson aggravating his ..."

It's time to start Nelson at point guard

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June 7

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Mike Bianchi

"All of this conversation and consternation about whether Magic point guard Jameer Nelson should be playing in the NBA Finals is as ridiculously aggrandized as the "Sorry, honey" $4 million purple diamond ring Kobe Bryant bought his wife. As the Magic ready for tonight's crucial Game 2 against the Lakers, we should not be asking why Nelson is playing. What we should be asking is this: Why isn't Nelson starting? Why are the Magic and Coach Stan Van Gundy skirting and skulking and hemming and hawing about this move? Why are they being so indecisive and unclear? Let's review, shall we? A couple of weeks ago, after a Magic practice in Boston during the conference semifinals, the injured Nelson ..."

Lakers expect to see plenty of Jameer Nelson

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June 6

Los Angeles Times

"One would think the Lakers would be satisfied with their performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. The Lakers thoroughly dominated the Magic in winning by 25 points. They put the defensive clamps on the Magic, holding it to 30% shooting, bottled up Orlando center Dwight Howard and did not allow many clean looks for the Magic's three-point shooters. But nooo. "You're never extremely satisfied," Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw said Friday. Shaw is in charge of developing the Lakers' game plan to slow down the Magic, the same as he did during the regular season. "But I'm happy with the effort that our guys put forth. It's just one game, so whether they lost by 25 or ..."

Nelson rusty but glad to be back on court

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June 5

Denver Post

"After sitting out with a shoulder injury since Feb. 2, Jameer Nelson started the second quarter for Orlando on Thursday, battling through pain to have a pretty nice night. In the Magic loss, the all-star played 23 minutes, scoring six points with four assists and only one turnover, though shooting 3-for-9 from the field. "I felt good. My rhythm was a little off, but it was good to be back out there," Nelson said. "There's always room for improvement, and the next two days individually - and as a team - we need to improve on some things." Nelson said he doesn't plan to start during the series, instead subbing in for starter Rafer Alston, who had six points and one assist. The Magic had only ..."

Chris Webber: Playing Nelson that much was a mistake

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June 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Experience counts and bringing back an injured guy who hasn't been part of a playoff run for the finals doesn't work according to Chris Webber. "You know this is a surprise because Orlando was so good until now but then it isn't a surprise because Orlando just got here. "You evaluate their expressions before the game and you think that for Orlando to match that (Laker) intensity, against a team that has been here so many times, it's hard. It's a different thing, the finals, and you look around, Kobe has been here before, Phil Jackson has been here before. "You can't overrate experience or sometimes naivety that you don't know what to expect and you just go out and play. That works ..."

Nelson's return a nice problem

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June 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic point guard Jameer Nelson said earlier this week that it would take "a miracle" to complete his dramatically fast rehab on a surgically repaired shoulder in time to play in the NBA Finals. Well, the NBA's playoff slogan this year is "Where amazing happens." And Thursday those amazing occurrences extended to Nelson. Coach Stan Van Gundy announced before Game 1 that Nelson, after sitting out just over four months following his Feb. 3 injury, would get to play after all. Nelson had been participating in light 4-on-4 games since last week. But Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith waited to see how he performed in full practice sessions Tuesday and Wednesday before making the final ..."

Magic guard Nelson returns

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June 5

L.A. Daily News

"Magic guard, back for Finals after injury hiatus, getting his fill of hearing about Knicks legend. If Jameer Nelson didn't know who Willis Reed was before the NBA Finals, he certainly knows who he is now. "I've probably heard his name at least once a day for a week now." Nelson said. With good reason. Nelson, the Orlando Magic All-Star, was activated Thursday and in uniform to play Game 1 of the Finals against the Lakers at Staples Center. The high-scoring point guard had been sidelined since Feb.2 with a torn labrum, an injury that was expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season. It did - at least for the regular season and the first three rounds of the playoffs. But with the ..."

Wait a minute, Jameer Nelson will play tonight

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June 4

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic made all-star point guard Jameer Nelson's surprising comeback official hours just before Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers on Thursday: He's playing. Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy, wrestling with the decision, said that Nelson would come off the bench behind starter Rafer Alston. "We're going to dess him today and probably play him," Van Gundy said. Van Guundy said that Nelson will replaced veteran Anthony Johnson, who backs up Alston. Nelson has been trying to come back since Feb. 19 shoulder surgery. He has been ahead of schedule in his rehab and has been feverishly trying to persuade the team that he is ready, participating in his first practice Tuesday in ..."

Jameer Nelson not expected to play tonight

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June 4

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson isn't likely to play tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers, but he is expected to be activated and dress out, the Sentinel has learned. The chance of him playing in the series is still remote. Nelson has been feverishly trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery. The Magic have been evaluating his progress the last few days, and it appeared he might be a long shot to play after returning to practice this week. Nelson was two months ahead of his projected six-month rehab schedule and had increased the intensity of his workouts the past three weeks, he did not participate in his first formal practice with the Magic ..."

Return could be pointless

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June 4

Boston Globe

"While Orlando's Jameer Nelson has said he is ready to return early from shoulder surgery, a Magic source isn't expecting much from the point guard in the Finals. Nelson had a torn labrum in his right shoulder surgically repaired Feb. 19 and at the time the injury was deemed season ending. Nelson, however, practiced the past two days and is expected to be available off the bench in Game 1 tonight against the Lakers. Even so, the team source said he wouldn't be surprised if Nelson played very little, if at all, because of rustiness. "People say I shouldn't even be trying this and maybe I shouldn't," Nelson said prior to practice at Staples Center yesterday. "But I'm not second-guessing ..."

Magic's big question remains: Will Jameer Nelson play in NBA Finals?

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June 4

Orlando Sentinel

"There's at least one guy who fully expects all-star point guard Jameer Nelson to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. And that's Anthony Johnson — the point guard whom Nelson likely would be replacing off the bench in the rotation. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Johnson, the veteran who has been backing up starter Rafer Alston. "You got to play the guys who give you the best chance to win." Nelson participated in his first formal practice on Tuesday at RDV Sportsplex, his first significant action in exactly four months after injuring his right shoulder Feb. 2 against the Dallas ..."

Jameer Nelson closer to getting nod for NBA Finals

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June 3

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson looks to be closer to playing in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as observers said he was flying down the floor, running with the second team in Tuesday's practice. Teammates are convinced that Nelson is making a return after missing four months of the season. Nelson has been trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery and the club is using practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Los Angeles, to evaluate whether he can play. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Anthony Johnson, the veteran back-up point guard to starter Rafer Alston. ..."

Jameer Nelson playing it coy

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June 3

Los Angeles Times

"There's at least one guy who fully expects All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. And that's Anthony Johnson -- the point guard whom Nelson probably would be replacing off the bench in the rotation. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Johnson, the veteran who has been backing up starter Rafer Alston. "You got to play the guys who give you the best chance to win." Nelson participated in his first formal practice Tuesday, his first significant action in exactly four months after injuring his right shoulder Feb. 2 against the Dallas Mavericks. The Nelson ..."

Nelson ready to practice with team

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June 2

Florida Today

"The tease to bring back Jameer Nelson for the NBA Finals is understandable for the Orlando Magic because the point guard played so well against the Los Angeles Lakers in two regular-season meetings, scoring 28 and 27 points. But because it's been exactly four months to the day since Nelson last played in an NBA game following a major shoulder injury that required surgery, the Magic are unsure as to what the 6-foot guard could provide them now. When the Magic started preparations for the finals and the Lakers on Monday, it was the talk of a possible Nelson return that created a stir around the team's practice facility. After all, Nelson was an All-Star enjoying the finest season of his ..."

Magic's Jameer Nelson: 'Every day I feel a little better'

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June 2

Orlando Sentinel

"Jameer Nelson is back on the basketball court. But don't get too excited about seeing him in uniform in the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers. Nelson started practicing with the team last week and will participate in workouts today in Orlando and Wednesday in Los Angeles before a final decision is made about whether he will be activated for the Finals. So far his action has been limited to 4-on-4 pickup games, though he has taken some contact. Nelson was cautiously optimistic about his prospects. He suffered a torn labrum on Feb. 3 and had surgery on it Feb. 19, with the team signing Rafer Alston the same day. Doctors told Nelson to expect a six-month recovery. So far it has been a little ..."

Magic mull return of Jameer Nelson for NBA Finals

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May 31

Orlando Sentinel

"The Magic are encouraged by Jameer Nelson's rehabilitation so much that they will evaluate the possibility of the all-star playing in the NBA Finals against the Lakers, the Sentinel has learned. Magic President Bob Vander Weide said the team is exploring whether Nelson can return after undergoing shoulder surgery Feb. 19. He hasn't played since he was injured Feb. 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. Although Nelson wouldn't be in prime condition, Vander Weide said, "the chance to get an all-star point guard on the floor for 15 minutes a game ... you'd have to look at that." The Magic had ruled him out for the season and the playoffs, and as late as a week and a half ago General Manager Otis ..."

Magic miss their Little Guy Jameer Nelson running show

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May 13

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Mike Bianchi

"His team was blowing yet another double-digit playoff lead in the fourth quarter and Jameer Nelson sat on the bench helplessly and hopelessly Tuesday night. Where's the Magic's composure in the postseason, you ask? Where's their coolness? Where's their heart? Where's their toughness? I'll tell you where it is. It's right over there in street clothes, that's where. Every day, we hear how much the Boston Celtics miss their injured leader, Kevin Garnett. Every game, the TV cameras point toward K.G. on the Boston bench and the commentators will invariably say: "The Celtics just aren't the same without the big guy in there." In the wake of the Magic frittering away yet another big lead Tuesday ..."

For Jameer Nelson, postseason painful to watch

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May 5

Boston Herald

"Jameer Nelson sat quietly on the sideline, clad in a fashionable suit jacket, watching his Orlando Magic teammates go through a pregame shooting drill. Not exactly where the All-Star point guard wanted to be last night. The fourth-year pro had his season come to an abrupt end Feb. 2 when he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks. The injury put Nelson in a self-described role as the "highest-paid assistant coach in the history of the game." "This is really frustrating, but at the same time, I'm still here in a position to help," Nelson said before last night's 95-90 victory against the Celtics. "One thing I have to understand is that everything happens ..."

Magic's Nelson healing quickly

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February 18

Florida Today

"Able to lift his right arm overhead and surprised by the progress he's made the past two weeks, injured Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson is still holding out hope of playing again this season. Nelson dislocated his shoulder and tore the labrum on Feb. 2 during a collision with Dallas center Erick Dampier. Nelson needs surgery and a four-to-six month rehabilitation period to repair the tear in the labrum. But one of the Magic's toughest players is hoping that with continued rehabilitation on the shoulder he can postpone surgery to the summer and return this season. "I think I can still play, I think so," Nelson said as he raised his arm up simulating a jump shot. "I'm just keeping hope, ..."

Magic point guard Jameer Nelson's shoulder decision coming soon

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February 12

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic GM Otis Smith that he would sit down with PG Jameer Nelson next week to see where they were headed in regards to dealing with the torn labrum in his right shoulder. Smith didn't say it specifically, but indications were that decision likely would be to have season-ending surgery. "The thing about it is that is his right handed and it affects his strong arm," Smith said. Smith noted that other players have returned from Nelson's injury in the past. But Smith said that his contact style at the point would make it harder for him to do the same. History at the break Even before they tipped off Wednesday night, the Magic were guaranteed to have their second-best record in franchise ..."

Meaning of Nelson's loss more and more apparent to Magic

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February 12

Orlando Sentinel

columnist David Whitley

"Stop the season. The Magic want to get off. Luckily for them, the season does stop today. The bad news is it resumes next week, which is about six months too soon. It will take that long for Jameer Nelson to be back to his new self. And we're starting to see just how valuable he was to the Magic. They played their worst offensive game of the season Wednesday night. It was so bad that a healthy Nelson might not have mattered. Magic Johnson in his prime would have had a hard time salvaging this kind of stinker: Turnovers — 24. Shooting — 30.4 percent. Focus — 19.2 percent. But on the bright side, the Magic dancer made Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. If only Deanna Clover could have made ..."

Nelson likely will have surgery

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February 12

Florida Today

"Injured Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson still is gathering opinions as to whether or not he should undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. But Magic general manager Otis Smith has basically decided that the All-Star has played his last game this season. Nelson's finest season as a pro was interrupted on Feb. 2 because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Nelson has since sought second and third opinions from doctors and star players such as Miami's Dwyane Wade and Philadelphia's Elton Brand. The Magic are expected to announce next week that Nelson will undergo an arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder that will require six months of rehabilitation. Smith has allowed Nelson to seek other ..."

Jameer Nelson is a fine player, but he is not indispensable to the Magic

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February 4

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Mike Bianchi

"Before the season, all the experts said the Magic could never win a championship with Jameer Nelson as their point guard. Now, suddenly, those same experts believe the Magic can't win a championship without him. When I first presented this delicious irony to Magic General Manager Otis Smith Tuesday, he laughed for maybe the only time of an otherwise cold, cheerless day. Said Smith on this dismal day when he learned there's a strong possibility his all-star point guard may need to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery: "The experts don't necessarily always have all the answers." No we don't, which is why I refuse to sing along with the doomsday chorus that is singing the Magic's funeral ..."

Jameer Nelson needs surgery; likely to miss rest of the season

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February 4

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic all-star point guard Jameer Nelson faces shoulder surgery — at some point this year — while his contending team faces the likelihood of playing without him for the rest of the season. Magic General Manager Otis Smith said on Tuesday that the club and Nelson are still evaluating whether Nelson possibly could return to play in "two to six weeks" if he rehabilitated the injury through physical therapy, thus delaying season-ending surgery until the offseason. "Either way," Smith said, "he's going to have to have it repaired." Either way, it's a devastating blow to a 36-11 Magic team whose championship hopes were largely elevated by Nelson's performance this season. Veteran ..."

Nelson Has Torn Labrum, Club Mulling Surgery Or Rehab

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February 3

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic all-star point guard Jameer Nelson sustained a torn right labrum in his shoulder and the club and Nelson will decide over the next week whether he will have surgery or attempt rehabilitation. Which course Nelson and the team decide to take will determine how much time he will miss, but it appears he will be out weeks. If surgery is the option, Nelson's season is over. Nelson was injured in a 105-95 loss Monday night to the Dallas Mavericks at Amway Arena. The Magic, who have one of the NBA's best records at 36-11, will be in the market to find a replacement for Nelson. Veteran Anthony Johnson, Nelson's back-up, is the lone point guard on the roster. The Magic did not ..."

Nelson dislocates shoulder as Magic lose to Mavs

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February 3

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic are expected to find out today if their merry bandwagon has lost a wheel, jeopardizing their drive to title contention this season. All-star point guard Jameer Nelson dislocated his right shoulder in a 105-95 loss Monday night to the Dallas Mavericks and will undergo an MRI to determine the injury's severity. Just how long Nelson will be out is the question, but the team seemed to be braced for him to miss weeks, not days. If surgery is required, he will be lost for the season. According to WebMD.com, patients with dislocated shoulders not requiring surgery can need anywhere from three to 12 weeks to recover, depending on the severity. "We don't even know how bad it is ..."

Nelson, Howard propel Magic to another road win, 113-90 over the Raptors

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February 2

Orlando Sentinel

"When 5-foot-10 Jameer Nelson falls two rebounds short of his first career triple-double and 6-11 Dwight Howard sets a franchise free-throw record — yes, for free throws made — you sort of know how the game turned out. In other words, not so good for the Toronto Raptors. The Orlando Magic had everything going their way in the second half and whipped the Raptors 113-90 in a Sunday matinee at Air Canada Centre. Orlando upgraded its record to 36-10, including a league-leading 18-6 on the road, and presented Stan Van Gundy with his 200th victory as an NBA coach. The Magic placed six players in double figures, nailed seven 3-pointers in a telltale third quarter and caused considerable angst in ..."

Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis defy the doubters, join the NBA's elite

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January 31

Orlando Sentinel

"Nary a move by the Orlando Magic is made without the club answering this question: How does it affect Dwight Howard? "We always take into account whether it helps or hurts No. 12," said General Manager Otis Smith of his franchise center. Smith used such logic when he signed forward Rashard Lewis two summers ago and when he re-signed point guard Jameer Nelson before last season. Smith heard backlash on both transactions. In each case, he deemed Nelson and Lewis as "the right pieces to fit around" Howard in hopes of turning the Magic into a contender. While Nelson and Lewis have made the plan a success, it also meant they'd largely work in Howard's immense shadow. But on Thursday, the two ..."

GM Otis Smith's faith in Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson pays off

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January 30

Orlando Sentinel

"Judging from some of the criticism coming his way, Magic GM Otis Smith put his reputation on the line when he signed PG Jameer Nelson and PF Rashard Lewis. Both players were named as reserves for the NBA All-Star Game by the coaches on Thursday, but Smith said he didn't feel a sense of vindication. He signed Lewis to a whopping six-year $118-million free-agent contract in the summer of 2007, and re-signed Nelson before last season to a five-year deal worth nearly $40 million. "It's just the business we're in," Smith said. "I don't know if I stuck my neck out. I just thought Lewis was the player we could least afford to lose ... and Jameer, I always said: Name me 10 guys that are better." ..."

Nelson stars as Magic rout Warriors

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December 23

Orlando Sentinel

"The league announced on Monday that Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson was honored as the NBA's player of the week in the Eastern Conference. It looks like Nelson was trying to extend the honor even longer on Monday night in the Magic's 113-81 rout of the Golden State Warriors at Amway Arena. Nelson scored 22 points, tying a single-game franchise record by hitting all nine of his shots to lead Orlando to its fifth consecutive victory and 18 of its last 21 games. He added seven assists and five rebounds. He obviously likes the Warriors' defense, as do so many others. Nelson tied his career high with 32 points in the Magic's scored 109-98 victory at Golden State on the team's recent ..."

Nelson is the engine driving the Magic's current torrid streak

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December 22

Orlando Sentinel

"Whatever you do, don't you dare start singing that effortless refrain about Jameer Nelson's play lately. Don't you dare try to boil down his recent string of all-star-like performances at point guard to him just finding his basketball confidence. He dismissed that notion himself way back in November when he first hinted at what might be ahead this season. "It's not about confidence," he said. "I've always been confident." What's indisputable is that Nelson was right and the doubters were wrong when Nelson decided at the end of November that resting a sore hip flexor would pay off in the long run. Since returning to action he has been on one of the best scoring streaks of his career with ..."

Jameer Nelson finds scoring touch with aggressive approach

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December 21

Orlando Sentinel

"Coming into this season, Magic PG Jameer Nelson's primary role was to be the team's floor general and if necessary toss in a few baskets along the way. A quarter of the way into 2008-09, Nelson still defers to Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. But lately his chances to be more involved offensively have been coming up more often. In his past five games heading into Saturday, Nelson was averaging 22 points per game, tying a career high with 32 at Golden State on Monday. "I think that Jameer's being very aggressive, which is the most important thing for him," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "People are choosing to play his pick and rolls in a way that he's got a lot of ..."

Return of Jameer Nelson would help provide order to Orlando Magic backcourt

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December 3

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic are looking forward to the possible return of point guard Jameer Nelson tonight — and a return to some order in the backcourt. Nelson's absence — he has missed four consecutive starts because of a strained hip flexor — has caused a chain reaction. The Magic have had to ask Anthony Johnson, 34, their oldest player and Nelson's back-up, to play the bulk of the minutes. Small forward Hedo Turkoglu and rookie shooting guard Courtney Lee were recruited to share the rest, playing out of position. The Magic (13-5) have gone 3-1 in the games with Johnson filling in. They are already thin playing without a third point guard, and the injury situation reached an alarming level with ..."

Scoring 16, Nelson lives up to his vow

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November 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Jameer Nelson stood next to his locker and unwrapped a yellow Starburst. The Orlando Magic were an hour from tip-off against the 76ers last night at Amway Arena.The former St. Joseph's star, who is averaging 11.7 points per game since he started with the Magic in 2004, said he was still far from playing his best basketball."I think I can do better," Nelson said.Hanging inside Nelson's locker was an outline detailing the role the Magic expect from the 6-foot point guard: "Rebound. Leader, organize us. Set tone with toughness and defense. Attack! Create for self and others."Sound familiar to Hawks fans? It should."It's only four games into the season," said Nelson, whose team would improve ..."

Jameer Nelson gets in offensive groove

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November 2

Orlando Sentinel

"A night after his coach cringed as he "couldn't buy a shot" during an offensive collapse against the Memphis Grizzlies, Magic point guard Jameer Nelson returned to the home embrace of Amway Arena Saturday on an early-season expedition, of sorts. His quest? To find the floor general that his team was desperately missing in dropping its first two games of the season to league doormats Atlanta and Memphis. For the sake of his own sanity, perhaps, and that of the team looking to avoid a dreaded 0-3 record, Nelson did just that as the Magic were able to earn their first win of the season, 121-103 over Sacramento. Nelson's stat line wasn't earth-shattering (4-of-9 from the field), but his 12 ..."

PG Jameer Nelson ready for bigger role with Magic

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October 5

Orlando Sentinel

"Everyone has acknowledged the obvious. Jameer Nelson is on the spot. His teammates feel it. "There's most definitely a lot on Jameer," forward Rashard Lewis said. His coach sees it. "Obviously," Coach Stan Van Gundy said, "the organization showed a great confidence in him with the contract extension." His critics, circling overhead, are feeding on it. "Nelson's contract says he's the man, but his play and his liabilities suggest that he would be best suited to a third-guard role," wrote Sports Illustrated's Steve Aschburner in a season preview. Four years into the countdown, the Orlando Magic's management is banking that it's finally time for Nelson to leave the launchpad on a solo ..."