Nelson to Play?
Orlando, FL – Jameer Nelson wants to play in the NBA finals. Whether the Orlando Magic will let him remains a mystery.
Nelson said Monday that he has been playing full-court games, participating in contact drills and practicing with the Magic for the first time since tearing the labrum in his right shoulder Feb. 3.
The All-Star guard had what was then called season-ending surgery Feb. 19. His rehabilitation was supposed to take at least another two months.
Magic general manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy still expressed doubt whether Nelson could seriously return for the finals. Smith said a quicker recovery and the chance of winning a championship has forced him to at least take a look at Nelson.
Game 1 is Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Posted: 6/1/09 8:30PM ET