Jameer Nelson says it’s time for Dwight Howard to man up and stop talking

The Lakers and Orland Magic play in Orlando next week. This will be Dwight’s first return to Orlando since he was traded to the Lakers last offseason. Of course the visit comes on the heels of Dwight Howard’s comments that his Magic team was full of players nobody wanted. Jameer Nelson was drafted the same year as Howard and the two became close during their years together on the Magic. But Jameer has a message for Dwight. Learn to keep your mouth closed:

“At some point, when are you a gonna as a man, when are you going to take ownership and stay out of the media in a professional manner?’ Nelson said. ‘I would be less of a man to comment on certain things that people comment on about me and my teammates. We had a great run as a group, as core guys, and he was a part of it (reaching the 2009 Finals) and for him to say things about anybody in a negative manner, that’s up to him. That’s his opinion. If that’s how he feels, that’s how he feels.’

One of my  biggest issues with Dwight is when he won’t own up to his comments. Don’t back pedal from them if that’s truly how you feel. It will be interesting to see how Dwight plays returning to Orlando. The situation already had the potential to be a bit hostile considering his last two seasons with the franchise. Add in these new comments and the Lakers’ struggles. Sounds like must see TV.