Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic 35th Anniversary Season: The top 35 players in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal dominated the 1995 Playoffs, becoming the champion who would dominate the league for a decade. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal dominated the 1995 Playoffs, becoming the champion who would dominate the league for a decade. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 15
Next
Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
Jameer Nelson and the Orlando Magic scored a breakthrough series victory defeating the Toronto Raptors in the first round in 2008. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic 35th Anniversary: 35 best players in Magic history

9. Jameer Nelson (2005-14)

By Anthony Prodanovich

The Orlando Magic have been blessed with supernovas at all five positions including some
amazing guard talent. But when it comes to the unofficial designation as “Mr. Magic,” it is likely on
the No. 14 jersey of Jameer Nelson.

The six-foot guard out of Saint Joseph, drafted 20th by the Denver Nuggets and acquired via draft day trade brought the best, not greatest, point guard in Magic history. The Robin to Dwight Howard’s Batman, Jameer Nelson also shifted into the role of leader and floor general given to him by the veterans before and during the Magic’s playoff success.

One of eight players in Magic history to be honored with an All-Star selection, it is
reasonable to believe that if it was not for his shoulder injury that left him with only 42 games and out up until the 2009 Finals, the Magic might have a championship banner hanging in the Amway Center.

In the 2009 season, Nelson when on the court was a +10.0 points per 100 possessions. The only other player that season that was +10 was Rashard Lewis.

For that All-Star season “Mr. Magic” was also the absolute model of efficiency, 52.9 percent from the field (in the top six percent for guards), 45.6 percent from three (in the top one percent of guards) and 88.7 percent from the free-throw line (in the top nine percent for guards). By averaging 16.7 points and 5.4 assists, he was one of only 10 players that year to average more 15.0 points and 5.0 assists per game.

Nelson’s resume is his longevity. He is tied with Nick Anderson for most seasons played with the
Magic at 10 seasons, top five in games played, minutes, three-pointers made, steals and
points. He is number one in Magic history for career assists.

He also cracked the Top 100 in NBA history at 89th overall in career assists. The humble short king should be in the Magic’s Hall of Fame with a retired jersey to follow as he is “Mr. Magic”.