<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The idea of handing a contract extension to Dwight Howard this summer is, in the basketball vernacular, a slam-dunk.The notion that Jameer Nelson also would be rewarded along with Howard was considered at least a lay-up at one time . . . but not anymore.Nelson's decline this season has introduced a degree of difficulty into the process. In fact, the Magic are wondering whether to offer Nelson an extension -- or wait to see what happens should he become a restricted free agent next summer."We start talking about extensions like they're a given," General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel. "Jameer has to understand that we expect more out of him."In some ways, said Smith, measuring Nelson's worth is more challenging than figuring out Darko Milicic's. The Magic nixed an extension offer to Milicic before the season, allowing him to become a restricted free agent this summer.The club has a feel for what the market might be for a young 7-foot big man. But for a 5-10 point guard who is struggling with turnovers and running a team, well, not so much.Steve Mountain, Nelson's agent, recently told the Sentinel that he believes "Jameer has done enough" to prove himself after almost three seasons. The Magic, obviously, are of a different opinion."I don't think Jameer's had the best of years," Smith said.If Nelson expects to be paid a salary similar to, say, Chicago Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (5 years/$47.5 million ), no deal will get done between him and the Magic this summer. The club's contract parameters, perhaps, for Nelson's extension align closer to Seattle SuperSonics point guard Luke Ridnour (3 years/$19.5 million).The Magic could be taking on a lot of longterm payroll this offseason. Howard is expected to receive a five-year, $87.5 million deal. If he finds a suitor, Milicic could fetch a four- or five-year contract worth $40-$50 million. The Magic want him back, but on a short-term deal.Orlando also wants to sign a free agent this summer, preferably a scorer. Adding Nelson's extension to the mix, along with Howard's and Milicic's, would give the Magic three weighty contracts.Don't get Smith wrong: He's a huge Nelson fan. He loves his toughness and believes Nelson can be an outstanding point guard.He just wants Jameer to prove him right.A sales pitchWhat do napkins, baseball and Scott Skiles have in common? They're a part of Magic lore as detailed in a book by agent Keith Glass titled Taking Shots.Glass, Skiles' agent, writes that in 1991 he negotiated a contract for Skiles with former Magic general manager Pat Williams at a spring-training game.On napkins.Williams wrote one Magic offer on a napkin -- $3.6 million for three years. Glass said he went to the concession stands and returned with peanuts for Pat -- and, ahem, a four-inch stack of napkins. "When I returned to my seat," Glass writes, "I put the peanuts and napkins in Pat's lap and said, 'You're going to need all of these!' "It was the Magic who made the concession to Skiles -- and not for peanuts: four years, $9 million.</div> I really don't like Jameer Nelson as much as most of you guys do. I think they can do better and find a better starting PG. I'd, I'm my team rather see Jameer as a 6th man.
I like Jameer but he is a combo guard, ironically, he reminds a lot of his college counterpart Delonte West. I think they could get a better PG as well but 3/4 of NBA teams need a better point guard, Jameer Nelson isn't a bad consolation prize. The thing I found amazing about that article was Darko is getting a 5-year $50 MIL contract?! That seems a little far fetched.
