Magic General Manager Otis Smith, who understands the importance of perception in a small market like Orlando, has been gently chiding point guard Jameer Nelson about his scraggly beard, so don't be surprised to see it disappear soon. In the past, Smith has had similar talks with former Magic player DeShawn Stevenson when he was working on that Grizzly Adams look. Without looking heavy-handed, Smith has done the same thing at home. He didn't make demands. Smith just told his own son, Otis, Jr., that both the allowance and the car keys would disappear until he found a razor.
I find it hard to imagine Jameer refusing to obey an order from Otis over something as trivial as a beard. I suspect they have been "playing telephone" with a report like this one.
I think Jameer's beard makes him look like a leprechaun. All he needs is a green suit. Hmmm ... maybe he was pushing for a trade to Boston.
