Nelson: "I was nowhere near 100 percent" during the NBA Finals

by Evan Dunlap on Sep 27, 2009 11:53 PM EDT in News

Another night, another Orlando Magic interview from Brian Schmitz, who posted this story about All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson just moments ago. Of particular note is Nelson's assessment of his health in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers...

"I was nowhere near 100 percent," he said after a recent workout at RDV Sportsplex. "I'm not sure of where I was at. Because of who I am, I was really confident out there. I didn't play with any lack of confidence. It was just me knowing the reality of the situation, knowing I couldn't do certain things.

"I had to tone things down a little bit."

... and GM Otis Smith's defense of his decision to let Nelson return for the Finals after a 59-game layoff due to shoulder surgery...

"If I had 10 times to do it, I'd do it 10 times," Smith said. "There are things Jameer did for us not at 100 percent that he does better than most. There were some things he couldn't do quite as well. But having Jameer on the floor had nothing to do with us falling three games short of winning the title."

Interestingly, Nelson also told Schmitz that he hasn't watched any footage of the Finals, but he has watched plenty of footage of his All-Star campaign prior to his getting injured February 2nd versus Dallas.

We hope to have more from Jameer, and from the rest of the Magic, tomorrow during media day. Don't forget to submit your questions in this thread.

Tweet Comment 31 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

nelson are you 100% now?

by magicman775 on Sep 28, 2009 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, he is.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't buy any of that -- from Otis or Jameer.

First, why was it Otis’ decision? Isn’t that SVG’s call? In retrospect, it was obviously a mistake IMO. There’s not one good thing to point to that came out of it. Jameer played bad and Alston responded poorly.

Second, if Jameer didn’t lack confidence, why was he afraid to shoot the ball? He physically couldn’t shoot? He was passing up open jumpers.

by CaliFlorida on Sep 28, 2009 12:31 AM EDT reply actions

Otis’ decision first, then SVG’s decision second, then Jameer’s decision.
As for the shooting, it was pretty clear all playoffs long, Rafer was a shoot last option, and that the Magic PGs had been involved in the offense very little scoring-wise, so Jameer was prolly trying to fit in too much.

by derekk on Sep 28, 2009 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions

B.S. -- I'm sure Mitch Kupchak doesn't tell Phil Jackson who's gonna suit up.

And I doubt Otis really does the same with SVG.

by CaliFlorida on Sep 28, 2009 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Nope, I think its true when it concerns injured players? Is SVG really gonna play Nelson and possibly worsen his injury, when Otis is the long term General Manager? Only makes sense that it goes thru Otis first, of course, SVG can heavily influence Otis’ decision, give him reassurance, but Id imagine its Otis’ decision first, then SVG’s.

by derekk on Sep 28, 2009 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I would think the medical clearance goes through the team doctors.

Once that’s obtained, it becomes a strategy issue and I would be surprised if Otis or any GM dictates to the coach who’s going to play and who’s not.

by CaliFlorida on Sep 28, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought the medical clearance was a given, but yes you’re right there, doctors would have to determine Nelson healthy enough to even play first of all. The rest is agree to disagree I suppose, as I find my logic correct for that specific scenario.

by derekk on Sep 28, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

NELSON RUINED THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE MAGIC

Jameer Nelson’s come back during the playoffs destroyed the Magics team chemistry that was created during there playoff run. Many believed that his comeback would ensure that the Magic would win the championship. On the contrary, I noticed that Refar Alston was leading his team with passion and raw skill. his ability to penetrate and dish the ball to an open shooter was amazing. Although Alston’s 3 point shooting was not that appealing, he made them when the Magic needed them the most. I was disappointed in the Magic’s Management to allow Jameer Nelson to play. After a 59 game lay-off Jameer Nelson returned to the court where he not only embarassed himself but destroyed the momentum that the Magic gained. He air-balled two shots and made a turnover.

by Basketball813 on Sep 28, 2009 1:25 AM EDT reply actions

If you're All-Star point guard has the chance to play, you play him.

It’s a boom or bust situation, but the Magic had to do it to leave no doubt that they played their best players, no matter the circumstances. If Nelson didn’t play, then the questions would have been, “well, what would have happened if Jameer played?” It’s a near no-lose scenario, unless Orlando won the title.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

thank you........

Just one mans opinion...
"I don't know any other way to lead but by example" - Don Shula
"I know I've got to just keep throwing the ball. That's what I do best" - Dan Marino
"If you have a dream, give it a chance to happen." - Rich DeVos
"I'm just 19 and I've got a long time left in this league." - Dwight Howard

by MagicDolphin on Sep 28, 2009 2:25 AM EDT up reply actions

There's quite a few experts who would (and did) differ on that, given the time off.

by CaliFlorida on Sep 28, 2009 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't care.

Like I said, it’s a near no-lose scenario.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I find it pretty easy to argue the Magic would have lose WITH a healthy Jameer

But, that’s me.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Sep 28, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

would have lost^

(My brain isn’t awake yet.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Sep 28, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Not necessarily, because a healthy Jameer torched the Lakers in the regular season.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Since when does regular season cross over into post-season?

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Sep 28, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

When the Magic faced the Cavaliers.

That’s when.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

He’s a baller, he wants to come back and play dont blame him for that, blame Otis and SVG if you like to assign blame. He is also a big part of the team chemistry wise, so the only negative chemistry that couldve happened was Alston’s play, the guy who alrdy was shooting 30% in the playoffs…………………………………………. Esp. when you take into account Jameer averages 28 points per game against the Lakers, why wouldnt you try it??????
He also looked brilliant in his first 5 minutes or so of action, so I assume you mean the two air balled shots and a turnover werent until later. Id suggest you watch some Magic games before the All Star break instead of tuning in for the playoffs only and talking what they should or shouldnt do.

by derekk on Sep 28, 2009 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions

my thoughts exactly.

Everyone has summed it up well in this thread.
It was a no-win situation (as far as fan happiness) It woulda been the Magic was holding back, if we wouldnt have played him
Alston changed our game and lets face it, a 80% Nelson had more promise than a 100% Alston (or did he?)
Otis, SVG, AND Nelson all wanted him to play. Nelson was having an All Star year, Otis has been grinding to get a championship, and SVG wants all his weapons, esp one of the best ones, at his disposal for the world champ. Lakers. Cant you blame them? Lets not forget the Magics #1 fan Rich DeVos probably had a say in things too.
And I believe the first 5 mins. Nelson looked good and had great energy.
This is where I will be critical of SVG. He should have rotated Nelson out @5 mins. regardless of his play but esp. when the production dips. SVG should have used a more evenly spread out rotation of Dad, Nelson and Alston with each of them averaging around 15-17 mins.
That is what got us to the finals. Good solid play from Alston, hard work by Johnson. And if SVG would have trusted and relied a little more on them we could have had the best of both worlds. Part of the All Star we was missing, and the solid veteran leadership that kept our season alive.
I think the media over played the unhappiness Alston and AJ felt. I think they both acted professionally and only showed a little frustration at being second guessed.
I agree with Otis that you do it again 10 out of 10 times, just you dont lean so heavily on a guy that has missed so much of the season and post season. You spread out the minutes and focus on the inside out game that worked so well during the loss of Jameer.
This is one of those armchair quarterback moments that you could guess for a lifetime. But I wonder, if Nelson never hurts his shoulder at all I still think Fisher hits that 3 pointer over Nelson, or Alston and AJ too. So whats the difference anyways.
Get healthy and finish the job this year.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Sep 28, 2009 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

In the end, it's over and done with.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

But it's a good lesson going forward.

by CaliFlorida on Sep 28, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, it is.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Sep 28, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree we should have used nelson.

but what i dont agree with is otis when he says i would have done it 10 out of 10 times. if somthing dont work time and time again you make a change. a buss. owner would be out of buss. if they keep doing somthing that dont work. so if you know it dont work why do it. esp. 10 times in a row. you learn from your mistakes. but nelson is one of our top guys and a allstar point gaurd and he did light la up during the reg. season. so i see why they wanted him to play i wanted him to play. i thought he gave us the best chance to win like most others did.

by magicman775 on Sep 28, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions