<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">JACKSONVILLE -- Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson was pumping a stationary bicycle after Wednesday's three-hour Tour de Training Camp practice. "I'm T.O.! T.O.!" he joked, playing off of Dallas Cowboys star Terrell Owens' bike-riding theatrics. "I'm T.O. without that other stuff. "I'm positive." The Magic want Nelson to have an influence on the team as a leader. He is willing to assume the role, something his point-guard predecessor would not -- or could not -- do. Nelson has replaced the enigmatic Steve Francis on the court and in the locker room, executing his own grand comeback of sorts. He has gone from college star to fallen draft pick to reliable reserve to the talented heartbeat of a young, impressionable franchise. "I want to be a leader," said Nelson, heading into his third season. "Ever since I've been playing, I've felt that way. "I don't think it's pressure." Francis has struggled most of his career with the assignment. Steve-O had his T.O. moments and meltdowns in Orlando as well, including two suspensions (one by the NBA for kicking a photographer) and a team-imposed fine for missing a practice. Francis' refusal to enter a game last season doomed his stay, forcing the Magic to trade him to the New York Knicks after an alternately exhilarating and exasperating season-and-a-half. Francis tended to dominate the ball and the dressing room. Neither action pleased a franchise desperately searching for a steady, selfless leader. "What we're expecting from Jameer is to lead the team," General Manager Otis Smith said. "He could play better stats-wise, but that might not change our team. A leader has to find ways to get his team to win." Nelson has been taking a page from Dr. Phil and working on his relationships with teammates. "Jameer is a natural leader," Coach Brian Hill said. "When he is on the floor, he is in control.'' Still, Nelson said, "I'm learning how to talk to certain guys. They all have different personalities. You might be able to holler at one guy, but not at another." If he appears looser and more confident -- Nelson has taken it upon himself to become a team spokesman -- it's because he realizes the floor is his, so to speak. At 5 feet 10, he has stepped out of Francis' shadow completely and is preparing to handle his first season as a full-time starter. Nelson backed up Steve-O as a rookie, offering glimpses of promise that belied his drop to No. 20 in the 2004 draft. He then overtook Francis as the starting point guard last season. His terrific play, especially late in games, forced the turnover-prone Francis to move to shooting guard and led to his disgruntled exit. Nelson is still close to Francis and says, "I've never really looked at myself as being in Steve's shadow. I looked at it as there was a guy named Steve Francis in front of me . . . that was an all-star. "And sometimes you have to pay your dues and wait your turn. I was patient. People always told me you have to be ready."</div> Source
