Jameer Nelson would like more playing time

[sed522002]

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/01/jameer_nelson_would_like_more.html

“Obviously you want guys to be comfortable in the role that they play on the team, to get that experience, especially the young guys. But also the veterans,” Nelson told reporters in Waltham before Tuesday’s practice. “I mean, I’ve never been on a team where I’ve played 14 or 15 minutes. To be honest, it’s hard to go out there and be who I am with 14 minutes.

“But I’m not going to complain about it. I’m not going to go to coach and tell him I need more minutes or anything like that because my job is to play the minutes he’s going to give me. And I’ve always been that way. Any player that’s competitive and wants to win, and wants to play, thinks he should play 48 minutes. If you … have a guy on your team that thinks like that, he shouldn’t be on your team anyway. I think I should play all the minutes. But that’s not my job to say. My job is to play the minutes given to me and play them hard.”

“This is definitely a unique team,” said Nelson, who has actually missed the last two games with an ankle injury, though he planned to participate fully in Tuesday's practice. "You have so many guys in the rotation, so many guys getting 15 to 22 minutes. So it’s equal opportunity. So I guess, I’m not sure. I haven’t talked to him about the rotation or anything – that’s not my job, as I keep telling you guys. But it seems like equal opportunity.”

The guard added: “If (Stevens) wants to give me more minutes, he will. If he feels like I’m doing my job or not doing my job in those minutes, he’ll assess that as well. It’s up to him.

“I just told him the other day: as long as I’m here – I’m not sure how long it will be for – but I’m here to help. I’m here to help the process of building these young guys. They’re kind of raw in terms of just things in general, but it’s all about the experience. I feel like that’s what they’re trying to do, trying to get the young guys a lot of experience, which to me is something that I’ve been through in Orlando. I went through it for two years and it was fine. I was fine with it.”

[clover]

Seems like Bass grumbled--and got more time for it.

Not surprising that the other bench vets--Crowder and Nelson seem to be piping up now too.

[Evantime34]

I really don't think we will get anything for Thornton, Bass or Nelson. I would be fine buying them all out, seeing what a package of Green/Wright can get us then moving forward with the rebuild.

[sed522002]

What I find funny the most is when players say they're not going to complain about playing while telling it to the media. Knowing that's the first thing that's going to be printed..lol.

[Celtics4ever]

I'd rather let Marcus take his lumps and play a lot how is playing Nelson going to help the team?   It will not help us win, it will not help us develop talent it only helps Jameer.   We should waive him immediately.   I would be for bringing the kid over we have been watching in Europe instead of playing Jameer.

[KeepRondo]

Isn't this what we've been saying would happen with this crazy 11 man rotation.

In an attempt to make everyone happy, Stevens ends up making the majority upset. It's too bad but he should had been clear with Nelson on what his role was. Which hopefully is not playing sometimes. Or maybe getting 20-25 minutes on rare nights when multiple players were off.

[kozlodoev]

That's funny because (a) he's averaged 20 mpg, just 4 minutes less than he did in Dallas, and (b) he's been exactly who he is these days, an average shooter who plays no defense, isn't really great setting up offense, and can no longer score in between the trees.

[clover]

What I find funny the most is when players say they're not going to complain about playing while telling it to the media. Knowing that's the first thing that's going to be printed..lol.

And when any coach would prefer them to address it with him privately than to take it to the press.

[TheTruthFot18]

I really don't think we will get anything for Thornton, Bass or Nelson. I would be fine buying them all out, seeing what a package of Green/Wright can get us then moving forward with the rebuild.

One of better options posted on here for solving our extreme depth/ disgruntled vets issue. TP

[sed522002]

Isn't this what we've been saying would happen with this crazy 11 man rotation.

In an attempt to make everyone happy, Stevens ends up making the majority upset. It's too bad but he should had been clear with Nelson on what his role was. Which hopefully is not playing sometimes. Or maybe getting 20-25 minutes on rare nights when multiple players were off.

I think one mistake Brad made was giving Nelson the starting job immediately. Probably sent mixed signals..hell he probably thought he was replacing Rondo..lol.

[Chris22]

Who cares what Nelson wants?

Turner and Pressey are both better.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

And I would like to make lots of money and be able to travel back to Maine from California multiple times a year.

[2short]

to be kind to nelson at this point in his career, he stands on point guard depth
turner
smart
nelson/pressey tie
to be nice

[Beat LA]

In response to Nelson's request, all I have to say is - 

[saltlover]

Seems like Bass grumbled--and got more time for it.

Not surprising that the other bench vets--Crowder and Nelson seem to be piping up now too.

Bass deserved more time, quite frankly.

Also, Crowder is in his third year -- definitely not a vet.  Just a guy who's a restricted free agent this summer.