By John Denton

March 22, 2015

ORLANDO – As an 11-year veteran, Jameer Nelson knows maybe better than anyone the cyclical nature of NBA and that while players come and players go, the games keep coming and the league keeps churning along.

For 10 of those 11 seasons, Nelson was the point guard of the Orlando Magic and in many ways the face of the franchise because of his classy professionalism and his gritty style of play on the court. The idea of Nelson wearing a uniform different than that of the Magic’s seemed foreign to fans last season, and the thought of him not running Orlando’s offense was even odder.

But Nelson has changed jerseys – three times in fact, this season alone – and someone else has taken over the mantle as the Magic’s point guard. Elfrid Payton, he of the floppy hair and the do-everything skills, is quickly becoming the face of the franchise what with his ability to compile jaw-dropping statistics and will the Magic to big victories.

Nelson, now with the Denver Nuggets after quick stops with Dallas and Boston following his agreed-upon release from Orlando last June, has taken notice with how the Magic have had a smooth transition at the point guard spot and how Payton has adapted to the spot Nelson used to control. Even though they don’t know one another that well, the torch has been successfully passed from Nelson to Payton.

``From what it looks like, he’s going to be a good player and he’s got a good future here and can be in the league for a long time,’’ Nelson said of his long-distance admiration for Payton. ``I don’t know too much about him other than watching him here and there, but he plays really hard.’’

The first rookie in the NBA to compile triple-doubles in consecutive games in 18 years, Payton could be in line for a third straight – something only the legendary Oscar Robertson did in 1960 – when the Magic (22-49) host the Denver Nuggets (26-44). Tipoff is just after 6 p.m. Nelson, who has scored in double digits in the last five games he’s played in, is listed as probable because of a hip pointer.

Payton had 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds on Wednesday in Dallas, almost single-handedly bring Orlando back from a 22-point deficit to within one of the Mavericks before losing. Then, he carried that momentum over to Friday when he battered Portland for 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the second triple-double of his career.

No NBA rookie had compiled consecutive triple-doubles since former Celtics forward Antoine Walker did it in April of 1997. Jason Kidd (1995), David Robinson (1990), Magic Johnson (1980), Alvan Adams (1975) and Robertson (1960) were the only other rookies to register consecutive triple-doubles. Robertson incredibly accomplished the feat seven times in a row as a rookie. Payton has played with much more confidence and aggressive – both in looking for his shot and defensively – of late and it’s sparked the Magic.

``I’ve looked for my shot a little bit more because it helps the team and it gives us more options,’’ said Payton, who has vaulted himself into the running for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. ``Guys have been playing hugged up to my teammates and they’ve been giving me opportunities to score.’’

For a decade, Nelson was the one setting up baskets for teammates and converting big shots for the Magic. He’s just the second player ever to wear the Orlando uniform for 10 seasons – Nick Anderson was the other – and he played a big role in helping the Magic reach the 2009 NBA Finals and the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals.

Now 33 years old, Nelson hoped to be a part of another playoff run in the twilight of his career and he and the rebuilding Magic agreed to part ways last June. Upon the point guard’s departure, the Magic’s placed signage all over Orlando thanking Nelson his distinguished years of service.

Nelson signed with the Mavericks and returned to Orlando to face the Magic during the preseason. He was traded from Dallas to Boston on Dec. 18 so that the Mavs could acquire Rajon Rondo. Strangely, Nelson appeared in Orlando in the once-hated green of the Celtics on Dec. 23 and he led a huge fourth-quarter comeback that had him playfully yelling at his former Magic teammates.

Now, after wearing a Magic uniform for 10 seasons, Nelson will be returning to Orlando in a third different uniform this season. Denver dealt Nate Robinson to Boston for Nelson on Jan. 13.

``That’s crazy how he started off with Dallas, then Boston and now Denver, but it’s part of the business that we’re in,’’ said Magic center Nikola Vucevic, a teammate of Nelson’s for two seasons in Orlando. ``It’s tough for him because he has family and kids and to be moving around to different parts of the country too, that’s not easy. He’s a professional and he deals with it as he should. But it will be weird to see him again in a different uniform.’’

Nelson was reminded once again on Saturday night how much he is beloved in Orlando when he attended the Orlando City soccer game at the Citrus Bowl. When the fans there recognized who he was, they showed some love to the former face of the Magic franchise.

``I spent a third of my life here. I’ve embraced the city and the city has embraced me,’’ Nelson said. ``I went to the soccer game (Saturday night) for the first time and I basically got a standing ovation walking in in my section. It was weird and people were saying `Orlando Magic’ this and that. I mean, my heart is still here for sure.’’

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.