Jameer Nelson, First Victim of Orlando’s Mini-Slide?
A few weeks ago, everyone was in love with the Orlando Magic. I went as far as to declare that it was time to hop on their bandwagon and ride it all the way to Disneworld.
Ever since, they’ve hit a snag in the road, and have only won three of their last ten ballgames. As it happens in most cases when a team struggles, fingers get pointed, and someone has to take the blame. In the Magic’s case, it appears as though point guard Jameer Nelson will be the first to fall on the proverbial sword. Coach Stan Van Gundy is openly talking about benching his pg.
“If you go back to the first 15 games, Jameer was playing very well, and it was key to us getting out of the gates as quickly as we did,” Van Gundy said.
“But he simply has not played to that level in the past three weeks, and that’s a concern right now. You want to stick with guys as long as you can because player’s performances will (sometimes) go up and down like his have, but he’s got to get it going pretty quickly.”
Nelson, who has struggled mightily in the past three weeks, is averaging 11 points and 6 assists per night.
Fear not, though, Magic fans, your team is still in great shape: At 19-11, Orlando continues to lead its division, and the next seven games are very winnable.
30 Responses to “Jameer Nelson, First Victim of Orlando’s Mini-Slide?”
Dec.27 at 4:09 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
He looked fine last night as they dismembered the Knicks. Then again so did James Augustine, and I didn’t even realize he was in the L.
Dec.27 at 4:13 pm
Bryan says:
Everyone looks good playing against the Knicks.
Dec.27 at 4:16 pm
zee says:
Does this mean that Dooling will be getting a grip of minutes at PG?
Dec.27 at 4:21 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Penny Hardaway’s available, I hear.
Dec.27 at 4:26 pm
Tenorca says:
My fantasy team misses you Jameer. Come back.
Dec.27 at 4:26 pm
underdog says:
Few weeks ago the Magic was the big story. Nowadays it’s Portland.
Dec.27 at 4:40 pm
Captain America says:
Jameer disappeared during the Celtic rematch. Dog, agreed, Portland is the story.
Dec.27 at 4:56 pm
Young Chris #3 says:
They still have Carlos Arroyo…
Dec.27 at 4:59 pm
TADOne says:
There is actually a good article on the four letter word today about Jameer and the effect the death of his father has had on him. I won’t link to it, but it was a good read.
Dec.27 at 5:33 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Whatever happened to JJ “Perhaps the Best Shooter in the World” Redick?
Dec.27 at 5:39 pm
Bryan says:
I think I’m a better basketball player than JJ Reddick is.
Dec.27 at 5:42 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Who’s their starting two guard right now anyway, Keith Bogans?
Dec.27 at 5:45 pm
Bryan says:
Yeah who was 1-11 on threes one of these nights.
Dec.27 at 5:53 pm
TADOne says:
They should run Arroyo and Jameer in the same lineup. Guards would kill them on the post up, but Howard would still have their backs.
Dec.27 at 6:04 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Didn’t Arroyo already have a couple of chances as a starter? I’m not sure who on that roster is a better alternative than Jameer–they’re pretty weak in the backcourt all around. Maurice Evans? Keyon Dooling? Carlos Arroyo? Keith Bogans? J.J. Redick? No one in there screams “starter!” Heck, they’re as undersized as the Bulls back there (but at least they have Dwight, Rashard and Hedo up front).
Dec.27 at 6:05 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
And I’d run Jameer and Keyon as the starters.
Dec.27 at 6:16 pm
Gerard Himself says:
I say Nelson, Turk at SG, Lewis at SF, ???? at PF and of course Dwight at C. ???? deserves a chance.
Dec.27 at 6:42 pm
Jukai says:
Play Arroyo, and for god sakes, play JJ a bit. I’m tired of the crowd chanting “BRING IN J-J” and JJ sitting on the bench looking at his feet realizing his existance is one big commercial joke.
Dec.27 at 8:38 pm
hursty says:
so true Jukai. Nelson for barbossa? suns get Perimeter D, magic get fast start. Very fast.
Dec.27 at 9:17 pm
Konate says:
I’m glad i didnt write my apology letter to you damn Magic fans … time will tell
Dec.27 at 9:28 pm
BETCATS says:
ride the pine Mr. Nelson make peace in the locker room and you will be Mandela
Dec.27 at 9:47 pm
Z says:
You say Nelson for Barbosa like Kerr is going to even answer that call.
Dec.27 at 11:12 pm
Jason Mary says:
eEBOY I LOVE YOUR MOMS BJS THEY MAKE ME RELAX SHES REAL GOOD WITH HER MOUTH
Dec.27 at 11:50 pm
Ben says:
Keep it clean Jason. Keep it clean.
Dec.28 at 4:16 am
hursty says:
Z, come on man… You wouldn’t pull the trigger? what about a pick? Jason… just shut up and leave eboys mum alone
Dec.28 at 10:12 am
illest says:
Nelson lost his father recently. Im sure this has affected him as it would anyone. Especially if you are very close to your dad
Dec.28 at 11:24 am
Sesa says:
They still lacked a perimeter defender and now everyone exploiting it.
Send Battier or re-sign Doug Christie.
Dec.30 at 3:45 am
LAN says:
arroyo did good against heat, maybe benching nelson isn’t the worst thing. but they need 2 pass it 2 diwght more! he could b gettin 40 points a game instead of 23 points. like all the goals he got against heat wer from put backs(nothin wrong with that). tiss tiss. n deaquan cook is the bad-assest shooter ever!
Dec.30 at 8:05 pm
jimmy says:
oiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Dec.30 at 8:06 pm
jimmy says:
wow lan ure tottally right!