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Orlando Magic Top 30: The Most Popular Player in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BOSTON, MA - 1994: Dennis Scott #3, Anfernee Hardaway #1, Shaquille O'Neal #32, Nick Anderson #25, and Jeff Turner #31 of the Orlando Magic return to the court during a game played circa 1994 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - 1994: Dennis Scott #3, Anfernee Hardaway #1, Shaquille O'Neal #32, Nick Anderson #25, and Jeff Turner #31 of the Orlando Magic return to the court during a game played circa 1994 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 26: Jameer Nelson #14 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 26, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Jameer Nelson (2005-14)

Jameer Nelson was probably never supposed to make it in the NBA. Listed a 6-foot, Nelson is probably not that tall. He was a scoring point guard in a league of giants. Nelson won the Naismith Award as college basketball’s top player, but doubts followed him into the league.

The Magic knew they were getting someone who was fully developed but would still have to figure out how to make it all work in the NBA.

There are plenty of stories of small players like Nelson who overcome their height. To the point, it is no longer an issue. That is what Nelson did. And he was the leader and steady hand for the Magic in their best years.

It was Nelson’s All-Star year in 2009 that made the Magic true title contenders — 16.7 points per game on 58.0 percent effective field goal percentage before a should injury ended his season. He was already beloved from there.

Nelson outworked everyone to make his mark, quickly making former All-Star Steve Francis dispensable. And the Magic knew when it was time, they could count on him to be the leader the team needed. It made letting Grant Hill walk in free agency easier.

But Nelson was more than all of that narrative. He was a strong offensive player who fit the Magic perfectly. He managed the team and made plays when he needed to. But more than that, he was the answer for the team in almost every way.

His professionalism, quiet humor and big play made him one of the most favorite players in the Magic’s entire history.