Jameer Nelson expected to start for Mavericks
By Evan Massey
The Dallas Mavericks signed former Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson this past offseason, and he appears ready to immediately step into the starting role. His main competition was former New York Knicks’ starter Raymond Felton, but Felton had a fairly rough season last year. Nelson was one of the most underrated offseason additions in the NBA, and he will come through with a big season now that he is finally back to playing for a playoff contender.
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Rick Carlisle had some glowing thoughts to share about Nelson when speaking to the media.
"“He’s just got a grit and toughness about him that we really need on this team this year. His game is going to help us, but his personality is going to help us, too.”"
Nelson was an excellent leader when he was with the Magic alongside of Dwight Howard, and made things much easier for Howard as well. He is the definition of a game manager at the point guard position, and is very much like a coach on the floor. Carlisle’s system will fit Nelson’s game very well, and he is primed to have a big year in Dallas.
Last season with the Magic, Nelson ended up playing in and starting 68 regular season games. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. At 32 years of age, he still has a few more quality season of basketball left in him before he retires.
Expect to see Nelson come through with a big season in his first year with a team other than the Magic. He will be asked to do a lot this season for the Mavericks, and is more than capable of stepping up to the task at hand. The Mavericks have an incredibly talented team this season, and Nelson is going to be a major upgrade at the point guard position from Jose Calderon last year.
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