He's Back?

There is a vicious rumor circling through the bowels of the NBA that All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson will return for the finals. Though he himself and the majority of the Magic's brass remain publicly pessimistic about his return, many of his teammates are banking on him playing in the organization's first finals appearance since 1995. The former St. Joseph's standout practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing supposedly season ending shoulder surgery after tearing his labrum on February 2nd. If Jameer returns, he will bring a dynamic offensive game with deadly range from the land of three (he ranks second in 3-point percentage shooting). There isn't really even a weakness to his offensive game; he penetrates well and can draw in the defense, thus taking it himself or dumping it down to the other-worldly Dwight Howard. Oh and did I mention he can play defense? This possible late cameo for Nelson will take a tremendous amount of pressure of Orlando's big three of Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Now, my prediction for the finals:

With a healthy Jameer Nelson who is somewhat near his early season form; I like the Magic in six. Dwight Howard will present far too much of a problem for the Lakers bigs. And at the same time, not too much attention can be focused on Dwight because of the Magic's three point shooting ability. Every member of their starting lineup is a bona-fide threat whom the Lakers will have to respect. With Jameer Nelson active, the Magic are just far too deep. However, without Jameer, I will have to take the Lakers in seven. I feel that, if the sometimes shaky Rafer Alston has to shoulder the load at point guard, seasoned veteran Derek Fisher will destroy him. Barring the unforseen, Kobe is a lock average 35+ ppg in the series, and the only real question is, will his supporting cast step up? Kobe Bryant better hope so. This year he continues his unfinished business of trying to win that elusive championship without Shaquille O'Neal.

Well Jameer Nelson, it looks like the fate of your team and the devoted fans of the city of Orlando rests in your hands. What's it gonna be?