By Dan Savage
February 25, 2012
ORLANDO -- It’s a moment that Jameer Nelson has anxiously awaited for quite some time.
After being selected to two All-Star related competitions and having to sit out due to injuries, the Magic’s point guard was finally able to participate in an All-Star contest.
Sure, the Haier Shooting Stars competition could have finished with a better result – Team Orlando came in last – but it could not have happened in a better place.
“It was great,” Nelson said on Saturday night. “It’s one thing to be involved in it, but when it’s in your city, it’s even sweeter.”
Forced to sit out of both the 2006 Rookie-Sophomore Challenge and the 2009 All-Star Game, Nelson’s only prior All-Star experiences came courtesy of assisting Dwight Howard in the dunk contest.
The injury bug nearly ended his chances once again after he suffered a knee injury against the Nets on Wednesday, but Mighty Mouse was not going to let it prevent him from performing in an All-Star game at Amway Center in front of the home crowd.
“I’ve been getting a lot of love from the fans; every appearance I’ve done so far has been jammed packed,” he explained. “People just wanting to touch you and be around you. I’m a basketball player but my priority is giving back.”
WATCH A COMPLETE RECAP OF THE SHOOTING STAR CHALLENGE:
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