Jameer Nelson’s Future with Nuggets Anything But Certain
Jan 17, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (28) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jameer Nelson has only been with the Denver Nuggets for two weeks, but how long he’ll ultimately be on the team’s roster is anyone’s guess.
When Nelson was acquired by the Denver Nuggets in mid-January in a trade that sent Nate Robinson to the Boston Celtics, head coach Brian Shaw seemed thrilled to add a veteran presence to a team that isn’t exactly overflowing with vocal leadership. Earlier this week following Ty Lawson’s run-in with the law, Shaw basically fell to his knees and thanked the universe for allowing Nelson to fall into the Nuggets’ laps:
"“He’s been beyond great,” the coach said. “He’s a natural leader. He’s come in and probably been more vocal than anybody in the year and a half I’ve been here in terms of just giving his understanding of the game, and sharing his experiences, and directing traffic out there on the floor. That’s something that we sorely needed with this team, and so he’s been a godsend as far as I’m concerned for what he means to this team, especially in this short time that he’s been with us.”"
It’s no wonder Shaw is so thankful for Nelson. Since suiting up for his first game as a member of the Nuggets on January 16 against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, Nelson has posted solid numbers in relief of Lawson. Over the course of seven games with Denver, Nelson is averaging 12.3 points and 5 assists, while shooting 46.1% from the floor. He’s averaging just over 23 minutes per game for the team, although he’s only played about 13 minutes in each of the last two games. His biggest game came on January 23, a game he started against the Boston Celtics following Lawson’s arrest, in which he scored 23 points and dished out 7 assists.
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But Nuggets fans shouldn’t get too enamored with the 10-year vet. Nelson was reportedly wary of joining the Nuggets until he received some assurances about playing time and his role with the team. Nelson has a player option at the end of this year, so if he isn’t happy with the minutes he’s getting behind Lawson, he could choose to walk away on his own accord. Now, there are rumors swirling that other teams still in contention for a playoff spot may be looking to acquire Nelson ahead of the trade deadline.
And guess which team is rumored to be right at the top of the list when it comes to considering Nelson? Our old friends, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That’s right, the same team that most basketball-types think overpaid the Nuggets when they gave up two conditional first-round picks to acquire center Timofey Mozgov earlier this season could be in play for Nelson’s services as well. A recent report by Chris Fedor for Cleveland.com suggests the Cavs could once again be looking to get into the trade business with the Nuggets:
"“Armed with 44 games of postseason experience, including 39 starts, Nelson is the perfect weapon for a playoff contender, which is why Houston recruited him this off-season before he signed with Dallas. He should be the Cavs’ top target.”"
Fedor also suggests the Cavs could pursue former Nuggets backup Nate Robinson, former Clipper Jordan Farmar, or any number of backups around the league or playing overseas. But given Nelson’s playoff experience, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Cavs — and other teams still hoping to make noise in the playoffs — at least inquire about Nelson’s availability. It’s a situation Nuggets fans should definitely keep an eye on.