Nelson Theory 101

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Before you get it twisted, let's not: Stan Van Gundy is a good coach.

Alright, he's a bit arrogant, and a bit brash. I know guys that played from him at UMass-Lowell who would agree with both sentiments.

But so is Geno Auriemma, and both guys can flat-out coach. This is a guy who, with the Heat coming off a 25-win season, put the ball in the hands of a rookie -- Dwyane Wade -- and let him take off (they won 42 games, a first-round series and nearly knocked off the Pacers). He is not a system guy; this is a guy who scans his team's strengths and gives them a style that gives them the best chance of winning. Better yet, this is a guy who doesn't try to hide the fact that he's a prick.

All that said, I can't believe what I saw tonight. Jameer Nelson played 23 minutes in game one of the NBA Finals, and not surprisingly the Lakers blew them out, 100-75.

Oh, there were other factors that led to their downfall tonight. They shot just 29 percent from the field, including 8 of 23 on three's, and were outrebounded a startling 55-41 (nothing new if you've been watching these guys, but just saying). But Van Gundy deserves some criticism for this move tonight.

Granted, he deserves all the credit for sticking to his guns in the Celtics series and keeping his starting five on the floor at the end, contrary to Dwight Howard's criticism. By standing firm, the team shook up its complacency and reaffirmed Van Gundy's acumen.

That was a turning point in the Magic's playoff run, much like this folly.

I'm a big believer in Bill Simmons' "Ewing Theory". For the uninformed, Simmons asserts that the Knicks often played better when their star center, Patrick Ewing, was in foul trouble, on the bench or injured. There are tons of examples to back this theory up -- this year's Rockets, the 2001 Mariners, the 1997 Flyers, to name the most glaring examples. He'll no doubt add this year's Magic to the list.

Listen, there is no doubt that Jameer Nelson is the alpha dog of that backcourt. This organization wouldn't be where it is without his character, and his commitment. But he's been out for four months; you can't just throw a guy into the lineup with major minutes if he's been out for four months, especially if it's GAME ONE OF THE FINALS.

And besides that, isn't this why you traded for Rafer Alston?

Marc Spears' article last week on Chris Herren has a great quote from Jerry Tarkanian about the difference between Herren and Alston when they played together at Fresno State: "Rafer was the first one in the gym and last one out. Chris had other things going on." Alston is a gamer, no doubt. But when you've cut your teeth on the famed New York City playgrounds, and you're THE Skip To My Lou, you're going to have an ego that needs to be soothed. Just ask Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Kenny Anderson and any other point guard from the Big Apple. Alston is a guy that needs to play 35 to 40 minutes a night to stay happy, and stay productive. When you give him just a minute more than Nelson, he's no use to you. He gives you a 2 for 9, 1 assist 6 point night.

If you really want to make this Nelson experiment work, stick him at the end of the bench.

-- One other minor note...attention Orlando Sentinel subscribers, please ignore your columnist Mike Bianchi's musing that "a win for Van Gundy is a win for the blue collars". You live in a tourist trap. Mickey Mouse. Sea World. That dinky Back to the Future ride. International Drive. Go-Karts.

Don't ever forget that for one second. Your city has no culture. That is all.