Orlando Magic: Old Heads Sticking Around?

It’s a predicament not a lot of franchises find themselves in, but one which the Orlando Magic will have to navigate sooner rather than later. The issue is not a terrible one, not by any means at all, but it is a situation that has been borne out of the fact this is a team in transition. That question, of course, is what to do with players such as Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson? There is nothing wrong with either of these guys, both steady contributors, although there is no doubt Nelson’s best days are now behind him. Usually when a team is rebuilding though, the large or expiring contracts are shipped out of the city to make way for young players on substantially smaller wages. This can sometimes suit the departing player, too, for often they then get a chance to play on a contending team. But what happens when these players don’t want to go?

First of all, it is worth revisiting comments both Afflalo and Nelson have made in the past with regards to their playing situations. When Afflalo landed in Orlando as a part of the Dwight Howard trade, he spoke of his delight at being involved with a team that was about to remake itself once more. His comments could have been picked up as polite words spoken to the media at a time when Afflalo would have preferred to play for any other team in the league, but there was a sincerity in his voice. More than that, his play backed up his words, too. He blew hot and cold last season, but there was no doubting he played committed basketball every night, all while acting as a leader of sorts for a team that had been bent horribly out of shape. A player with that attitude is vital on a growing team.

Both Arron Afflalo (left) and Jameer Nelson (second from left) may be on the trading block soon. Photo Credit: RMTip21, Flickr.com

Recently Jameer Nelson echoed those comments made by Afflalo, saying that he was happy to stick around the team as long as they wanted him. He has been a one-team player his whole career and was even an All-Star in 2009, so loyalty clearly ranks highly on his list of priorities. He inked a new three-year deal last year, with many wondering why. At 31 years old, it is his contributions off the floor and in the locker room that will probably be of more value to that of what he can actually do on the court for the Magic. In truth, he is not worth much to other teams either, so why not have him stick around as he mentors the young players around him? He has after all played in an NBA Finals and his knowledge would be invaluable on this team.

Sadly, however, that is not how basketball works and there is a strong possibility that one or both of these players will be moved before the trade deadline. It could be argued if Nelson wants to stick around and finish his career in Orlando, he should be allowed to do so. But there is no room for sentimentality in professional sports these days and that alone will not be enough of a reason to keep him. The Paul Pierce-to-the-Brooklyn Nets trade has shown us this. Nelson has given his all to the team and remains a fan favorite, but the harsh reality is that moving him along would probably enrich the team he wants to help make better more than if he actually stayed around himself. The Afflalo situation is a little different in that he is younger and is of a certain quality as a player. There are positive attributes to keeping him around that go beyond his great attitude and work ethic. With Victor Oladipo seeing some playing time at the point guard position in preseason action though, it could signal that Afflalo’s days may be numbered.

Keeping both Jameer Nelson and Arron Afflalo would be a great luxury for the team to have, but the organization may be pulling off in a different direction that does not include them or their contracts. It is one of the harsh realities of basketball, but it is also unusual that two players would want to stick with a team that will clearly not be relevant for some time to come. They only get one career after all and to spend it playing on a team that will lose a lot more than it wins is a big sacrifice to make for a professional athlete. It is with a certain irony then that two players with that kind of commitment may be shipped elsewhere in a bid to make the team better in the long run.

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