Hooped Up

Nelson said Monday that he has been playing full-court games, participating in contact drills and practicing with the Magic for the first time since tearing the labrum in his right shoulder Feb. 3.

The All-Star guard had what was then called season-ending surgery Feb. 19. His rehabilitation was supposed to take at least another two months.

Magic general manager Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy still expressed doubt Monday whether Nelson could seriously return for the finals. Smith said a quicker recovery and the chance of winning a championship has forced him to at least take a look at Nelson. Game 1 is Thursday night in Los Angeles.

“It’s still no in my mind,” Smith said, adding that the team will explore the idea even if Nelson doesn’t return for Game 1.

Press Release