Jameer Nelson Has Critical Role Next Season for Orlando Magic

Jameer Nelson has had a strong career with the Orlando Magic in nine seasons. He’s likely to be back as the unquestioned leader of the team next season and will continue to be a key starter.

But as the Magic load and reload with younger players, Nelson’s years with the NBA franchise may be numbered. Eventually another point guard might come in, especially via the draft, who is exciting and a fan-pleaser and needs to have playing time. Someone like Nelson may be relegated into a role as teacher.

But for now Nelson still has a ton of talent and may be at the top of this game. He has not yet peaked which is why the Magic will bring him back in a prominent role next year. Nelson was rested the last few games of the regular season in order to allow him to regain his health going into the off season and be ready for next year.

Nelson played 56 games and averaged 35.3 minutes per game, plus 14.7 points. 7.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds. Those are all healthy stats. His 39.2 field goal shooting percentage is OK for a guard, but below his career mark of 44.8 percent. The Magic obviously needs a reliable shooter from the point spot. He proved late in the season when he scored 27 points and shot 9-of-20 from the floor against the Miami Heat and dished out 12 assists that he still has plenty of talent. In fact, he had 23 combined assists in two consecutive games.

Nelson is still obviously a key player for the Magic.