The Return of Jameer Nelson?
He was supposed to be dunzo for the season, but as the Orlando Magic kept getting further and further in the postseason, the better his surgically repaired shoulder apparently started feeling. And now, Jameer Nelson is contemplating suiting up in the NBA Finals.
When this chatter began a couple of weeks ago, the Magic completely dismissed it, but now, they’re willing to think about it a bit more.
From the Orlando Sentinel:
If he’s judged healthy enough to return within the next few days, Orlando Magic all-star point guard Jameer Nelson will play against the team he was instrumental in beating twice this season — the Los Angeles Lakers — in the NBA Finals.
[GM Otis Smith] said Nelson had an MRI as recently as last week and has participated in contact drills. “It’s up in the air. We’ll see how Jameer looks the next few days,” Smith said. “There’s a few more things we have to get comfortable with. We’re looking at the pros and cons. Doctors will have to talk to doctors. If we’re at a place where Jameer can help us accomplish our goals, then maybe he can play and give us some more punch. There’s a litany of tests he’ll have to pass. His health is the main thing. We’re not going to mortgage his future.”
Nelson also will have input in the final decision. “Would I like to play? Of course. I’m a competitor,” Nelson said. “But I don’t want to do anything that would jeopardize me long-term.”
It wouldn’t exactly be Willis Reed stepping onto the Garden Floor in the ‘70 Finals, but Jameer’s return could spark the Magic in a significant way. To expect much of a contribution from him after such a long layoff, though, is perhaps unrealistic.
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Does he get a ring if they win a championship but he hasn’t played a single playoff game? Anyhow even if he does get a ring I think getting that ring wouldn’t feel the same for him without playing at least a few minutes per game in the finals… I think thats why he wants to make a return cause its been an exciting postseason. Not sure how to feel besides aprehensive
I’d love to see Morrison and Redick go after a loose ball, run into each other at center court and explode into confetti. So we could just put those messes to bed once and for all.
I still can’t believe Adam Morrison and JJ Redick are going to be “competing” for a Championship.
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Sure. In the same way, Allen Iverson ‘competed’ for a run at the championship trophy this post season. I wonder if this would actually be the knock out punch that could put Orlando over the hump. Ball movement, miss matches and defense at every position is already very strong for this team. If Jameer comes back fresh and ready to play this could actually be an amazing turn of circumstances. Jameer WAS an allstar this year, way moreso than Mo Williams and he would handle the pressure/spot light with leadership and character. SUIT UP YOUNG MAN!
and rafer can skip to my lue
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