Jameer Nelson playing in the NBA Finals is inching closer and closer to reality, as today some Magic players said they expect Nelson to see the floor at some point.

Orlando Magic players say Jameer Nelson will play in the NBA finals, even though the All-Star point guard and his coach remain publicly pessimistic.

Nelson participated in a full team practice Tuesday for the first time since tearing the labrum in his right shoulder Feb. 2. While Nelson and coach Stan Van Gundy still said it won't be determined until game day, players said Nelson looked "terrific" and expect the point guard to be on the court against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Backup point guard Anthony Johnson said, "I expect to see him out there at some point in the series."

I have to admit -- I thought this was a bunch of hot air, even as recently as yesterday. I know he's done some conditioning work in practice, but actually playing in a game? I assumed, with five days off in between series, nobody had anything better to talk about.

Like most, I wouldn't mind seeing Jameer out there in spot minutes off the bench.

But I'm worried. Jameer is the unquestioned leader of this team when he's on the floor. So how can we expect him to play some energy minutes off the bench and then watch the other guys play in the fourth quarter? Somehow, I don't see Jameer being comfortable as a role player. And that's not a knock on his character, teamwork or anything like that -- it's just not who he is.

If Jameer's out on the floor, he's going to stay on the floor. That could be problematic.