Jameer Nelson wants more playing time


After joining the team just a few weeks back, ten year veteran, Jameer Nelson is already campaigning for an increase in playing time.

via Jay King at MassLive
“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..."

Through six games with the Celtics, Nelson is averaging 20.2 minutes per game, 5.2 minutes less per game than he received in his 23 game stint with the Dallas Mavericks. He's under contract though this year, and has a player option at 2.85 million dollars next season.

With his minor public campaign, Nelson will join a not very exclusive club (roughly 85% of the team) of players who believe they deserve to play more.