One of the latest Washington Wizards rumors suggests the franchise might look to add veteran guard Jameer Nelson. Is this a realistic scenario worth pursuing?
Here’s what J. Michael of CSN Washington wrote last week regarding the Wizards potential interest in Nelson:
"If Jameer Nelson gets bought of his contract, he could end up in a Wizards uniform. Nelson was part of the deal for Rondo that sent him from Dallas to Boston. The Wizards will be in hot pursuit because he’s experienced and the type of combo guard they covet most for the open roster spot. This is the most likely of all the scenarios. Nelson is expected to negotiate a buyout. He would be on a pro-rated salary which would be a minimal cost to the Wizards, he’d come off the books after the season and it allows the veteran a chance to go deep into the playoffs for the first time in a while. And the playing time is there behind Beal (see item No. 1 on [Ray] Allen). He simply has to be on the Wizards’ roster by March 1, the deadline to be eligible for the postseason, and want to come here. If Nelson is bought out and doesn’t end up in D.C., it won’t be from lack of effort on this end."
There’s no debate that Nelson’s days as a member of the Boston Celtics are numbered. He recently missed two games with a sore ankle, but has yet to play again since even though he pronounced last week that he was good to go. Nelson has remained on the Celtics’ inactive list for the past four contests.
His recent quotes (via Jay King of Mass Live) include things like it was the “coach’s decision” to keep him out of action and he’s “not sure how long” he’ll be with Boston. In addition he used the phrase “as long as I’m here” numerous times–as if to imply an impending departure. Nelson also suggested he wasn’t being given enough minutes before his inactive streak began.
And on top of that, during the Celtics’ most recent game Nelson took it upon himself to push the limits of the NBA’s dress code for players on the bench out of uniform.
@AminESPN I called that "snappy casual."
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) January 13, 2015
All in all, a buyout of Nelson’s contract with Boston could well happen sooner rather than later.
But, just because he’ll be available does not mean the Wizards should be interested. Even if Nelson was willing to play the role of a perfect soldier and do whatever is asked of him, what does he really bring to the table that Washington needs?
The 32-year-old hasn’t shot better than 35 percent from three-point range since the 2011-12 season. Obviously Rasual Butler is a better choice off the bench in that regard. I also can’t imagine many Wizards fans would prefer to see Nelson on the floor over Martell Webster.
As far as backup point guards go, Nelson’s numbers this season don’t even stack up favorably against 38-year-old Andre Miller:
| Rk | Player | Season | Age | G | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PTS | ORtg | DRtg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Miller | 2014-15 | 38 | 37 | 468 | .593 | .167 | .618 | .724 | 6.2 | 12.3 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 3.6 | 16.5 | 120 | 108 |
| 2 | Jameer Nelson | 2014-15 | 32 | 29 | 705 | .343 | .336 | .355 | .765 | 5.7 | 9.2 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 3.4 | 14.0 | 99 | 109 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Michael alludes to the fact that both Butler and Webster are small forwards by nature as opposed to shooting guards. If you’re looking to bring in the No. 1 three-point shooter in NBA history (Ray Allen), that’s an important distinction to make. But in the case of Nelson, what’s the difference if he shouldn’t be on the floor anyway?
Yes, Nelson would be a low risk signing, but there is also very little for Washington to gain.