Jameer Nelson Solid in Debut for Nuggets
Jan 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (28) dribbles as Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) defends during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Newly acquired veteran point guard Jameer Nelson made his Denver Nuggets debut last night against the Dallas Mavericks (the team he played for when this season began), and his play was a bright spot for the team in a losing effort.
More from Nuggets News
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
Nelson hit the ground running for the Nuggets, turning in nearly 28 minutes of work. He ended the game with 14 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and a steal. He committed six turnovers and he only shot 5 of 14 from the field (35.7%), but Nelson showed Nuggets fans he can provide solid minutes for the team in relief of starting point guard Ty Lawson.
The 10-year vet looked right at home in a Nuggets jersey, which isn’t a surprise since the team actually drafted Nelson with the twentieth pick of the 2004 NBA Draft, before his rights were traded to the Orlando Magic. But Nelson’s return to Denver could have happened even sooner, as he revealed in a recent interview with The Denver Post that he nearly signed with the Nuggets before this season:
"“I thought the best opportunity to play was in Dallas,” Nelson said. “I felt like that was the best fit for me. Obviously the Nuggets had some guards, a lot of guards here. They didn’t know how many minutes I would play. So, I just felt like Dallas was the best spot for me.”"
Assuming Nelson is part of the team’s plan for the remainder of the season (as opposed to a short-term acquisition who could be part of a trade package before the deadline), his first game as a Nugget was a promising start. He is much more of a pure point guard than the team has had in the backup role in a couple of seasons, and that means Lawson can get a few breathers during games without having to worry about the team’s production falling off while he’s on the bench. I’m looking forward to seeing what Nelson can do in the weeks ahead.