Nelson aims to help Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS — Former Orlando Magic captain
didn’t need very long to make an impact on his new team, the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans signed Nelson on Oct. 22, just a few days after the Denver Nuggets released him to make room to add
The night he joined the Pelicans, Nelson contributed to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, making a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
“I was fortunate to have a lot of teams reach out,” Nelson said before the Pelicans hosted the Magic at the Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
“So obviously people still think I still have stuff left, and I know I do. So I’m just going to try to acclimate myself here and try to help win. We have a good group of guys that have a lot of talent, and with every game it seems like we figure something else out about ourselves. In every game, we have other guys step up.”
Nelson is 35 years old now, and he’s come a long way from his rookie season with the Magic in 2004-05.
Once doubted by many scouts because of his lack of height — he’s listed as 6 feet tall — he’s in his 14th NBA season.
The Pelicans also are his fourth team since he and the Magic mutually agreed to part ways following the 2013-14 season. Nelson had grown tired of the neverending rebuild and the franchise’s desire to tank, and the Magic were eager to groom new guards.
In New Orleans, he’s found a team that needed him.
“He’s just a real pro,” Pelicans coach said. “He came in without a practice and was able to figure out some of the things that we’re doing offensively and where guys wanted the ball and gave them the ball. And then obviously he made a big shot in the Laker game that kind of got us over the hump. But that’s what he’s been in this league since he got in.”
Nelson insists he has plenty left to contribute as a player, but don’t discount the possibility of Nelson one day working in an NBA front office — perhaps the Magic’s.
Asked Monday if he could see himself in a front office role with the Magic, Nelson smiled and responded, “I could see myself one day working in Orlando in the front office. Doing what? I don’t know. But that time is not here yet. But I’m leaving all my options open for life after basketball, for sure.” New Orleans-area native
missed his fifth consecutive game Monday because of a strained left hamstring, but he ramped up his rehab during an on-court running and shooting session before tipoff at the Smoothie King Center.
“I’m trying not to push myself too hard,” Payton said afterward. “Hamstrings are tricky. But I’m trying to get after it a little bit.” Magic coach
said Payton would test his hamstring today in Memphis. It’s unclear if Payton will be able to play Wednesday against the Grizzlies.
“I’m trying to test my limits without reinjuring it,” Payton said. “I’m just trying to be smart about it, but I’m definitely making progress.”
Payton said he rented two suites and got 20 additional tickets for family and friends to watch Monday’s game against the Pelicans.
A 4-2 start rocketed the Magic skyward in various NBA power rankings released Monday. NBA.com placed the Magic ninth.
ranked them 14th. ESPN.com had them 12th. And CBSSports.com had them eighth.
The Magic scored 703 points through their first six games of the season, setting a franchise record for the most points during their first six games, according to team officials. Former Magic guard
was named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday for games played Oct. 23-29. The Pelicans’
won the honor for the Western Conference. Asked for comment about Cousins’ award, Gentry responded, “Even Captain Obvious called that one. I don’t see how he couldn’t have been Player of the Week when he put up the numbers that he did, and obviously we won the games.”