NBA Miami Heat

Miami Heat Rumors: Trading For Jameer Nelson Isn’t the Right Move

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By @outofboundsjay

February 15, 2015; Chris Humphreys; Jameer Nelson

Chris Humphreys – USA Today Sports

The Miami Heat have had point guard struggles all season long. The signing of Shabazz Napier from the first round of the NBA Draft was supposed to relieve some of those struggles, but Napier just hasn’t made the transition from college to the pro league very well. This is a primary reason why he has had many short stints with the D-League. Both returning guard Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers have also struggled mightily this season, dipping below their career averages in several categories while ironically playing a heavier minute load.

With the consistent struggles, the Heat organization has elected to look into the trade market to see what they could acquire to help boost the position. One player’s name that has come up consistently is Denver Nuggets backup point guard Jameer Nelson. In just 11 games, Nelson has averaged 9.4 points and 4.5 assists in just 21.5 minutes of average playing time. Looking at this short sample size, the obvious reaction is that Nelson would be a huge upgrade over any of the Heat’s current point guards, but the Heat trading for Nelson just isn’t the right move.

The Heat are in the process of rebuilding, whether anyone in the organization wants to admit it or not. Playing below the .500 mark and barely skimming the playoff surface are signs that this team is in that mode as we speak. Playing in the weak Eastern Conference does allow teams that play poorly to still make the lower rung of the playoff bracket though. With the Heat in developmental mode with several players, especially with Napier, why bring in a player who is going to take substantial minutes away from that development time?

The Heat aren’t winning a title this season; in fact, they might not even win a first round matchup. Nelson’s age also dictates he won’t be in this league for much longer, and the Heat need to start considering the long-term approach. Nelson just doesn’t fit that vision.

Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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