This is not a trade post. It does not reference trade machine, nor is it about bringing my favorite player to the Magic (where are you, Cherokee Parks?). It’s a post about Jameer Nelson.

In a previous thread, OPP readers indicated that they thought that either Jameer Nelson or Ryan Anderson were the 2nd most valuable players on the roster since the trades. A compelling argument was made for both players being crucial to the Magic’s success recently, as well as for the team’s success moving forward. In this thread, I’d like to solicit opinions on how crucial one of these two, Jameer Nelson, will be for the team moving into the playoffs. My choice of Nelson is due, primarily, to his position as a starter for the team.

Jameer Nelson shoots 12.2, assists 6.3, pulls 2.9 rebounds, has a PER of 15.22, and stands 6’0”. As I see it, there are four other point guards that are probably match-up opponents for Nelson in the playoffs. Here is some raw data pertaining to Nelson vs. each one:

Hawks: Mike Bibby shoots 9.6, assists 3.7, pulls 2.6 rebounds, has a PER of 11.96, and stands 6’2”.

NELSON VS. BIBBY THIS SEASON:

GAME 1: Nelson DNP.   

GAME 2: Nelson DNP.

GAME 3: Bibby (15 pts, 4 ass, 3 rbs, 39:37 minutes); Nelson (18 pts, 3 ass, 2 rbs, 31:04 minutes)

GAME 4: 3/30/11

Heat: Mario Chalmers shoots 6.3, assists 2.2, pulls 2.1 rebounds, has a PER of 10.45, and stands 6’2”.

NELSON VS. CHALMERS THIS SEASON:

GAME 1: Chalmers DNP.

GAME 2: Chalmers DNP.

GAME 3: Chalmers (0 pts, 0 ass, 2 rbs, 14:32 mins)*; Nelson (22 pts, 6 ass, 6 rbs, 35:49 minutes)

GAME 4: 3/3/11

Chicago: Derrick Rose shoots 24.9, assists 8.2, pulls 4.4 rebounds, with a PER of 23.32, and stands 6’3”.

NELSON VS. ROSE THIS SEASON:

GAME 1: Rose (15 pts, 4 ass, 0 rbs, 31:56 minutes); Nelson (24 pts, 9 ass, 4 rbs, 35:04 minutes)

GAME 2: Rose (22 pts, 12 ass, 6 rbs, 37:41 minutes); Nelson (0 pts, 1 ass, 2 rbs, 7:34 minutes)*

Boston: Rajon Rondo shoots 10.9, assists 12.2, pulls 4.4 rebounds, with a PER of 18.34, and stands 6’1”.

NELSON VS. RONDO THIS SEASON:

GAME 1: Rondo DNP.

GAME 2: Rondo (10 pts, 12 ass, 4 rbs, 37:20 minutes); Nelson (9 pts, 5 ass, 1 rbs, 32:32 minutes)

GAME 3: Rondo (26 pts, 7 ass, 1 rbs, 36:40 minutes); Nelson (10 pts, 3 ass, 2 rbs, 28:38 minutes)

Two things: 1. There is not really any raw data of substance to work with, given the interference of several DNP’s or low minute scenarios. 2. Individual match-ups are only of minor importance in a team game.

All that aside, let’s assume that Nelson will handle Bibby and Chalmers with little trouble. How will he fare versus Rose and Rondo? What stands out to you from their earlier match-ups? Will his play in these series be the most important factor to the Magic’s success? Or the 2nd most important?

Comment if you want to put aside trade chatter for a moment and just talk. Thanks!

*Low minutes.