Magic all star Nelson suffers torn labrum, status in doubt

After suffering a dislocated shoulder against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, Orlando Magic All Star Jameer Nelson’s worst fears were confirmed when a MRI revealed that he’d suffered a torn labrum in the process. 

Nelson suffered the injury in the third quarter of Orlando’s 105-95 home loss as he fought for a loose ball with the Mavs’ Eric Dampier.  Nelson came away with the ball, but was then fouled hard and hit the floor.  He came up clutching his shoulder and didn’t return.  According to Nelson, however, he felt the tear as he was going for the ball.  This likely resulted in him landing awkwardly, leading to the dislocation. 

Nelson now faces a decision between having surgery immediately, or waiting until the off season and playing with the pain.  While he indicated that he’s “tolerating the pain well” at this juncture, he’ll take a few weeks and re-evaluate the situation:

"Everybody's body is different. My body is obviously different than yours. You may take a year, I may take two weeks. I won't know any timetable right now. I just have to get treatment right now and see how I feel and where I'm at in a few weeks."

The injury unceremoniously interrupted a career year for the Magic’s starting point guard, though he said he’s trying to remain philosophical about it:

"I can't really say why it happened at this time. Everything happens for a reason, I understand that. I think that's why my spirits are high."

While Nelson plots his next move, former College of Charleston standout Anthony Johnson will assume the starting pointguard role.  An 11 year NBA veteran, Johnson is one of the more capable backups in the lead, so the problem becomes who will serve as *his* backup—the Magic have no other pointguards on the roster.  If they’re unable to sign a competent backup for Johnson, one of their reserve shooting guards (J.J. Redick or Courtney Lee) will have to play out of position.