There is no question that center Dwight Howard -- one of the five best players in the league -- is the foundation and the heart of the Magic. But every summer it becomes clear why he shares his captain's tag with point guard Jameer Nelson.

Nelson also is a Magic leader.

Nelson is not considered one of the top point guards in the league, but his leadership ability with the Magic is evident. Earlier this summer, Nelson held his fourth annual team getaway in his hometown of Philadelphia, a weeklong event that sets the tone for the following season.

It's his way of creating team unity, which is something the Magic have excelled at in recent years. Their chemistry and cohesion is tough to beat in today's big-ego NBA. And a large part of it is the result of Nelson's urging.

Nelson gathered his teammates earlier this summer for a week of paintball, movies, motivational speeches, bowling and dinners. At the same time, they played basketball together in an informal, no-coaches setting in a gymnasium he had selected.

As usual, almost everyone on the roster showed up, all coming at Nelson's expense. The only ones missing were Howard, who was in China doing a promotional appearance, and Marcin Gortat, who was playing with the Polish national team.

Nelson's leadership is one reason general manager Otis Smith, and coach Stan Van Gundy, have become his biggest supporters. They realize how important Nelson is to the success of the team, even when he struggles on the court.

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