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Orlando Magic Best of the Decade: The All-2010s Team

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson saw their era end in the 2010s. But they are still titans in the Orlando Magic's history. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson saw their era end in the 2010s. But they are still titans in the Orlando Magic's history. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls
Jameer Nelson endeared himself further to Orlando Magic fans by sticking with the team and thriving without Dwight Howard. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Point Guard — Jameer Nelson (2010-14)

Jameer Nelson was not always the obvious choice for the Orlando Magic. He started the decade coming off an All-Star year that pretty much everyone resented him for finishing. The 2009 Finals still creates a lot of debate about whether Stan Van Gundy should have brought Jameer Nelson back into the fold at such a late stage.

His 2010 season was not as efficient as his 2009 All-Star year, but he was dominant in the postseason, torching both the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks. He saved the Orlando Magic from a sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals in the overtime win over the Boston Celtics in Game 4.

It was perhaps the loyalty to Jameer Nelson that prevented the Magic from making the star-making move necessary to keep Dwight Howard.

In the wake of Howard’s departure, Nelson became the example of loyalty. Magic fans adored and loved Nelson for continuing to fight and lead this young Magic team. He rewarded that love back.

After Howard left, Nelson averaged 13.2 points per game and 7.2 assists per game. He took control of the team and was its best player — along with Glen Davis and J.J. Redick, the holdovers from the team’s exciting 2012 season. Nelson seemed to show off his lighter side and that endeared him to Magic fans more.

The Magic were always searching for their young point guard to lead the new rebuild. And Hennigan worked to cut ties to the past. Nelson’s waiving was an emotional thing for fans. It always felt like Nelson belonged with the Magic — he got a standing ovation when he returned for Game 3 of the last playoff series.

The Magic probably parted with Nelson a year earlier than they should have. Orlando needed the veteran presence to lead the team still. One of the many miscalculations of the Hennigan era.

There was still plenty Nelson did for the Magic in the last 10 years. And Orlando fans are eagerly awaiting for his Orlando Magic Hall of Fame induction.