After earning National Player of the Year honors during his senior year at St. Joseph's, Nelson was overlooked in the 2004 NBA Draft - falling to No.20 before being picked up by the Denver Nuggets. But seeing a star on the rise, the Magic put together a Draft night trade that brought Nelson to Orlando.

In just his second season in the league, Nelson defied all his critics and took his game to another level - increasing his scoring average from 8.7 to 14.6 while clearly taking over a leadership role on a young Magic squad.

Nelson showed his leadership abilities this past offseason when - at his own expense - he invited all of Magic teammates to his home in Philadelphia for a week of workouts and team bonding.

On Oct. 31, Magic fans had the opportunity to chat with the team's rising leader. Jameer answered questions live from Orlando just one day before the Magic's opener. See what he had to say aout this year's team, his playoff hopes and much more.

chip chester Pa.: Jameer are you 100% going into the season I read where you were injured? I'm living in the ATL now and I'm looking foward to seeing you play the Hawks this season.

Jameer Nelson: I'm 100-percent and I'm actually really enthused about the season.

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Ronald, Puerto Rico: What's better,about the team, this year from last year?

Jameer Nelson: From the beginning we have a roster we like. Coming from last year, this team has a good chemistry already.

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Ryan (Orlando): Jameer - During the offseason, was there any particular aspect of your game that you worked hardest on to improve? Thanks and I hope you have a healthy and productive season! GO MAGIC

Jameer Nelson: I just wanted to get better at everything I had a weakness in. Also, I wanted to improve my strengths.

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scott (gainesville): Whats up Jameer? I'm really glad to see the franchise is in your hands now. How did it feel when Steve Francis was traded and you were given the reins? scott

Jameer Nelson: First, we're friends on and off the court, but I do understand this is a business too. I was just waiting for the opportunity for this to be my team to run and I wanted to be ready for if and when that happened.

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Bhnole: How much easier is it to play point with two talented bigs like Dwight and Darko?

Jameer Nelson: It makes it alot easier, especially on the defensive end, where those two guys can cover alot of ground.

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Gold Coast Australia: Your a massive inspiration. You just prove no-one is too short to play basketball, and I'm the same height as you. What advice can you give when people say your "too short"?

Jameer Nelson: Use it as motivation, as inspiration.

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Brendan (Oradell): How much of an impact do you think JJ will have on the team this season?

Jameer Nelson: If he can stay healthy, he'll be a big addition to our team, because he's such a great shooter. With penetrators like me and Carlos, having a good outside shooter is key.

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Drew (Manalapan, NJ): Hey Jameer, big fan here. What gave you the idea to hold that mini-camp in Philadelphia this past summer? Good luck on the upcoming season. GO MAGIC!!!

Jameer Nelson: It was a situation where I felt it was a chance to get the guys together to be a better team.

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Ted Larson(Orlando): Jameer,now that you are a starter do you think you have to assume more of a leadership role or do you rely on the veterans like Tony Battie or Grant Hill?

Jameer Nelson: Because I'm a starter and the point guard, I am a leader. Just because you're young, doesn't mean you can't lead. Of course, it depends on your teammates, but my teammates have respect for me and I look forward to playing that role.

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Phat Matt (Edgewater): I heard Hedo say he would beat you in a 3-point contest. Your thoughts?

Jameer Nelson: He is always joking around all the time. We do have some shooting competitions with the team, and Hedo does win alot, but I'm very competitive too!

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Will, Richmond, Va: Being a player your size and the amount of pounding and energy expent at your position, game to game, what things do you do to help you make it through the 82-game season?

Jameer Nelson: I think it's about taking care of your body, eating and sleeping correctly. Also, getting your body ready in the offseason for the grind.

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matt (orlando): Jameer, how do you prepare yourself for a game?

Jameer Nelson: I just get focused. Put my game face on and be ready. No pregame rituals. Just get ready to go out and win.

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Raśl (Argentina): Hey Jameer, a huge international fan of you over here, in Manu“s territory. I recently hear a lot about the great chemistry this team has, but... What can you say about it? I hope you could have a great and a healthy season, i'll be following it from here. This team has potencial to make history if it doesn't fall apart.

Jameer Nelson: Thank you. We've got a lot of trust on this team. Our last 20 games of last season went well and we we're carrying that over to this season. Now we just need to keep it going and make it even strong for this upcoming season.

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Rey (Boston): Hey Jameer. Good to have you in this team, you have a bright future as well as the Orlando Magic. Question: What is the biggest strengh of this team and what is the worse weakness? Thanks! Do you believe in Magic

Jameer Nelson: Our strength is our depth. We have lots of talented players. During the course of the season, you will need more than just five guys. You need that depth. Our weakness is probably a lack of communication on defense.

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J: Jameer, What are your outlooks on the playoffs this year? and what team in the east is going to be your toughest oppenent?

Jameer Nelson: You know, you have Cleveland and Miami and pretty much every other team. The East is really building up. I do think we can make the playoffs and I will be really disappointed if we don't. We have the team to do it here.

Jameer Nelson: Thank you for your support. I appreciate all the fans and I look forward to chatting with you again. I hope you'll continue to support me, the Magic and the NBA. We're going to have a fun, exciting season.