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In His Game & Heart

Magic guard Jameer Nelson excels even as he mourns his father and teacher who died in September.

By DAVE SCHEIBER, Times Staff Writer
Published October 31, 2007

Fourth-year player Jameer Nelson says he appreciates an outpouring of support after his father's unexplained death that police ruled was accidental.
	[Getty Images]

ADVERTISEMENT [AP photo] Jameer Nelson is defended by the Bobcats' Ryan Hollins during a strong preseason. "I think he's played great," new Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. [AP photo] On Sept. 1, the body of Floyd "Pete" Nelson, right, was discovered in the Delaware River. The veteran shipbuilder and tugboat repairman had been missing for two days near the docks in Chester, Pa. The circumstances of his death remain a mystery, but officials have ruled the death of the former Marine and Vietnam veteran accidental.

MAITLAND -- As the Orlando Magic embarks on its 19th season tonight, much of the spotlight shines on new coach Stan Van Gundy and towers of power Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, the imposing tandem showcased on the cover of the team's 2007-08 media guide.

So it's easy to forget that the fortunes of the team - whose last winning season came in 2002-03 - also ride on playmaking fourth-year point guard Jameer Nelson.

Nelson, who led Saint Joseph's University to an unbeaten regular-season record and a top ranking in 2004, had to prove himself to Van Gundy during the preseason to hold onto his starting job. He did so in impressive fashion - averaging 10 points with 5.2 assists and 1.7 rebounds - as the Magic won all three of its games in China and finished the with six straight victories for a 6-1 mark.

But what made Nelson's performance truly remarkable was that he achieved it in the face of a devastating loss.

On Sept. 1, the body of his father, Floyd "Pete" Nelson, was discovered in the Delaware River. The veteran shipbuilder and tugboat repairman had been missing for two days near the docks in Chester, Pa. The circumstances of his death remain a mystery, but officials have ruled the death of the former Marine and Vietnam veteran accidental.

The tragedy has left Nelson with a sense of emptiness that won't fade, but the outpouring of support from his team, from friends and fans has helped him carry on - and remain focused on the court. The Magic sent a delegation that included 12 players to the funeral and letters of condolence poured in.

"I got letters from everywhere in the world," he said this week at the Magic's practice facility, the RDV Sportsplex. "Just so many sympathy cards. It means a lot to my family. We can't put into words how much we thank everybody."

Pete Nelson helped shape his son's sporting career in basketball, football and baseball in the Philadelphia area and was always involved, despite the long, grueling hours he worked on the docks. His 25-year-old son remains forever appreciative.

"I just take it one day at a time and try to be the man that my father wanted me to be," he said.

"He comes into my head numerous times - and all good thoughts. And I've got to continue to do my job on the court and support my family. It's emotionally tough. I can't go out there thinking my father just passed. I have to go out there and play basketball. And I know for a fact that he's there with me 100 percent."

Van Gundy has been pleased with the play of Nelson, who started 77 games last season as Orlando went 40-42, then lost all four Round 1 playoff games to Detroit. Though he averaged 13 points and led the team with 4.3 assists tied for 33rd in the NBA, he struggled with turnovers. But Nelson has minimized his turnovers during the preseason and played well in Van Gundy's system, which allows players more freedom.

"I think he's played great," Van Gundy said. "He's done everything we've asked him to do. He's stepped up defensively, which he'll need to continue to do. I thought he did a very good job of keeping us organized and I thought, for the most part, picked his spots to attack. We don't want him to be just a playmaker, setting things up. He's also got to be on the attack. The key for him is keeping his energy and intensity at a very high level."

Van Gundy praised the 6-foot, 190-pound, 2004 first-round draft pick by the Nuggets, for excelling under such difficult circumstances: "He's a guy of high character and he definitely has toughness mentally and physically."

Howard, also in his fourth NBA season, thinks the world of his teammate.

"Jameer and I both want to be great players, so we always push each other to get better," said the 6-11 forward/center. "I've always talked to him about different things. All the stuff he went through, I know it's tough for him. But he's like a brother to me and I've tried to be there for him. His loss is my loss."

Nelson, who has a son and daughter (Jameer Jr. 5, and Jamia, 2) has maintained strong ties to the Philadelphia area, where he holds the Jameer Nelson Basketball Showcase for youngsters each year. He has also gathered his teammates there several times for bonding and basketball training sessions. Phil Martelli, his coach at Saint Joe's, remembers Nelson fondly.

"First and foremost, he had a unique ability to give respect to everybody he was around - coaches, opponents, referees, teammates - and because he gave that respect, he received it," Martelli said by phone. "The way he was viewed and revered as a person, above and beyond being a player, was due to the human side of him. Even with all the accolades and success on the floor, Jameer had a class and dignity that was learned by him before he ever came to Saint Joe's."

In part, from a father who will no longer be there to cheer, but who lives on in his son's heart as a new season begins.

[Last modified October 31, 2007, 01:23:23]