The Jameer Nelson question

Last week when Jameer Nelson told NBATV that he might return if the Magic reached the finals, my thoughts were: good to see he is still being competitive and that his rehab is going well. Let's get there first.

Well, we are here. And so apparently is Nelson.

After tearing his labrum in his shoulder in early February, the prognosis was for his return in August. No chance of making the court for the playoffs.

But Nelson has proven once again to be the determined little warrior that steals the Magic Dancers' hearts. The fifth-year point guard went through a full-contact practice Tuesday with the second team before the team left for Game One of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles.

Supposedly, he was put through some difficult drills -- like running shoulder first through screens set by Adonal Foyle (he may love everyone, but that is a big dude to run into). It is unclear whether he will actually be able to play and can be, at best, listed as day-to-day.

The Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday that Nelson will not play in Game One tonight and his return for the Finals is slim. But there still might be a chance the six-foot spark plug could suit up for the Magic (can anyone say misdirection?)

That leaves the question for Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy: should you play Jameer Nelson in the NBA Finals?

Undoubtedly, you would want one of your best players available for the biggest series in the franchise's history. Nelson, before his injury, was undoubtedly an NBA All Star and having his best season.

But, while you do not want to assume the window to win a title will be open for multiple seasons, Nelson is a key component of the team. It would be difficult for the team to repeat last year's success if Nelson is continually out of the lineup with constant injuries.

It is a difficult question to answer. When Nelson seriously began discussing playing in this series, I wanted to protect him for the future. There was no reason to mess up the good thing Orlando had going with Rafer Alston and Anthony Johnson manning the point.

Having said that, now it appears Nelson is closer to full strength then everyone thought. It might be beneifical for Orlando to have their speedy all-star point guard to run around Derek Fisher and the Lakers for 10-15 minutes per game (don't expect anyone to keep track of his minutes, there is no reason to hold him back if he can produce... injury or not).

In all the previews I have read the caveat mentioned in the Magic's season sweep was the presence of Nelson. Having him back in the lineup could be a key factor to a victory.

It would be tough for the team to have Nelson in and out of the lineup. Whatever decision is made has to be made and stuck to. There can be no waffling.

In this new era of Magic basketball where the fans don't cling to the past and live for the now. I think Nelson should play. I flew home from school in Chicago for Game Six saying "when are we going to get back here?" And that is a real question the Magic should be asking themselves in this evaluation.

Nelson gives Orlando a chance to win this series, even in limited minutes. If he can prove himself up to game speed and contribute even a little, it is worth the risk. If Nelson plays Game One and wakes up the next morning with a tight shoulder, perhaps Orlando shuts him down for the rest of the series. If he comes out in Game One and scored 12 points with three or four assists in 15 minutes, then Nelson has done his job and has made the risk well worth it.

It is much better than asking what might have been.