Miked Up: Jameer Nelson, 21 Games Into the Season

Jameer Nelson- The Nugget’s Very Own Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

A month now into the new season, whenever I see Jameer Nelson rise up off the bench, take off his warm up gear, and walk on the court; I hold my breath.

Which Jameer Nelson are we going to see tonight? Which?

Is it going to be the Oklahoma City overtime game, Jameer Nelson? Please try to recall the overtime thriller, at home, on a Friday night where Jameer single handedly squandered our last 4 out of 5 possessions.

Where he would put his head down, try to drive, push out, to go dribble in the corner for a bit, then putting his head down some more, as he notices the shot clock running out and decides to toss up what shot he can muster.

Where I find myself standing in front of my television set. Hands folded behind my head and yelling “Pass the ball! pass the ball!“. As my dog and my girlfriend share dubious glances, a grown man howls and unfolds in front of them. Simultaneously questioning, and understanding, the plight of what is it to truly be a Nuggets fan.

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(Apologies, readers. I digress. Let’s continue..)

Or rather..

Is it going to be the Jameer Nelson we saw last night in Philly against Embiid and the underwhelming 76ers?

Leading last night’s game, Jameer actually was coming off a few consistent games. Had his three ball shooting hot, been circulating the ball well, and had done nothing that would bring this blogger to yell at his television set over the four game span.

In fact in last night’s game, Jameer was playing with a little gusto. Dare say, a little…pizazz.

Two notable moments took place towards the final stretch of the game where Jameer sneaked a behind the back, And1 Mix Tape dish to Jamal Murray who splashed a three, as well as that late game steal helping secure the lead to come away with a much needed win. (The Nuggets broke a 3 game skid as they embark on a 5 game road trip.)

Watching the Altitude broadcast at home, there was a clip about Jameer Nelson hosting the entire 15 man roster to his mother’s house for some home cookin’ and to spend time together as a team, off the court.

“It was good,” Nelson said. “It was fun just to have guys around each other laughing and joking. There are times over the course of a season that things like that, those times, those moments get lost; especially when you’re losing. It’s also helpful when you’re losing to get guys together, especially out on the road.”

Jameer appeared to have stiffed Malone on the invite but Malone didn’t seem to mind to miss out of Mrs. Nelson’s famous pot pie:

“Anytime you can strengthen team and build team – we know we’re struggling to win games. But we’re not struggling to stay together, we’re not struggling to keep a positive mindset. That gives me hope.”

Jameer now seems to be taking over Miller’s role as the team veteran leader (who actually sees some playing time). Even more so, being a point guard has especially been of value to growing first round point guards, Mudiay and Murray.

You know – it almost feels like having old Anthony Carter in the building again looking over the younger Carmelo Anthony playoff teams. Short, bald headed, old dude that brought down the ball and who was there to help develop the young talent.

Anxious to see what Jameer Nelson December brings…

PS – For my older Nuggets fans, I recently saw Anthony Carter puled over on the side of the road at the 23rd Ave and I-25 exit apparently having car troubles.

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For whatever reason, instead of helping him, I garbled out my best “Learn how to inbounds the ball, you chump!!” which lead to Carter popping his head up, looking around, equally looking as confused as he was when Ariza stole that inbounds pass back in the 2009 Western Conference Finals against the Lakers.

2009 Western Conference Finals

Hands down one of my top favorite things I’ve ever done.

People don’t forget, Anthony Carter. People don’t forget.

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