Jameer Nelson

Jameer Lamar Nelson[1] (born February 9, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player who played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Saint Joseph's Hawks, where he was named national college player of the year in 2004. Drafted 20th overall in the 2004 NBA draft, Nelson spent the first ten years of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic. In 2009, he was named an All-Star and made an appearance in the NBA Finals. He has also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons.

Jameer Nelson

Nelson with Dallas in 2014
Personal information
Born	(1982-02-09) February 9, 1982 Chester, Pennsylvania
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school	Chester (Chester, Pennsylvania)
College	Saint Joseph's (2000–2004)
NBA draft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
Selected by the Denver Nuggets
Playing career	2004–2018
Position	Point guard
Career history
2004–2014	Orlando Magic
2014	Dallas Mavericks
2014–2015	Boston Celtics
2015–2017	Denver Nuggets
2017–2018	New Orleans Pelicans
2018	Detroit Pistons
Career highlights and awards
NBA All-Star (2009) NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2005) National college player of the year (2004) Consensus first-team All-American (2004) Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2004) 3× First-team All-Atlantic 10 (2002–2004) Second-team All-Atlantic 10 (2001) 2× Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team (2003, 2004) No. 14 retired by Saint Joseph's Hawks
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States FIBA U21 World Championship 2001 Saitama Team competition

High school career

Nelson attended Chester High School in Chester, Pennsylvania and was a letterman in basketball. In 2000, he helped lead his team to the PIAA AAAA State championship.

College career

Nelson began his play at Saint Joseph's University in the 2000–01 season. He had a breakout freshman season in which he was named unanimous National Freshman of the Year. During his junior season in 2002–03, he averaged 19.7 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 4.7 assists per game. He declared for the 2003 NBA draft, but later decided to remain for his senior season.

Nelson led the Saint Joseph's Hawks to a 27–0 regular season record in 2003–04. The Hawks' first loss came in the Atlantic 10 Tournament to Xavier. Nelson and junior guard Delonte West formed what was largely considered the nation's best backcourt, helping the Hawks earn a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They advanced to the Elite Eight and were within seconds of the Final Four before Oklahoma State Cowboys' John Lucas III hit a three-pointer with only a few seconds remaining (after the make, Nelson dribbled up the court and had a chance to tie the game, but his 15-foot shot fell short). Saint Joseph's finished with a 30–2 record, the best in the university's history. Nelson averaged 20.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. He received the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award his final year, recognizing him as the nation's top senior men's basketball player. He left the Hawks as the best player in the program's history, as its all-time leader in scoring (2094 points), assists (714), and steals (256). Nelson's number was retired by the university on April 23, 2004.[2]

Because of his extraordinary accomplishments as a senior, Nelson won the 2004 Wooden Award, the 2004 Naismith Award, the 2004 Bob Cousy Award, the Rupp Trophy, the Oscar Robertson Trophy and many more accolades, including being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Nelson was the first Atlantic 10 athlete to be on the cover of the magazine since Mark Macon in 1988.

Professional career

Orlando Magic (2004–2014)

Nelson spent 10 seasons with Orlando from 2004-2014.

Nelson with then Magic teammate Dwight Howard.

Nelson was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, and was subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic for a 2005 first-round draft pick. Though many speculated he would be a top 10 pick, he fell to number 20, and the Magic were able to acquire both Nelson and Dwight Howard in the same draft.

As a rookie, Nelson served as the primary backup to the Magic's All-Star point guard Steve Francis. Due to Nelson's impressive play, the Magic moved Francis to shooting guard to make room for Nelson to start at point guard.[3] He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and garnered Rookie of the Year consideration.[4]

On February 22, 2006, the Magic dealt Steve Francis to the New York Knicks, paving the way for Nelson to become the long-term starting point guard of Orlando.[5] Nelson's play improved with the mid-season trade of Francis, finishing the season with averages of 14.6 points and 5 assists per game on 48.3% field goal shooting.

The following year, Nelson helped lead the Magic back into the postseason for the first time since 2003. He averaged 14.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game during the NBA playoffs, however the Magic were ultimately swept by the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round.

During the 2008 All-Star weekend Slam Dunk Contest, Nelson assisted teammate Dwight Howard on several of his dunks, including the famous Superman dunk. That year, the Magic once again made the playoffs, defeating the Toronto Raptors in the first round before falling to the Pistons in the second round. He averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game through the playoffs, helping Orlando to their first playoff series win in 12 years.

Nelson taking a shot over Antawn Jamison of the Washington Wizards.

Nelson set career highs in points, steals, and shooting percentages during the 2008–09 NBA season. He, along with teammates Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, were selected to play in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.[6] However, a torn labrum in Nelson's right shoulder, a potential season-ending injury, forced him to miss the game. Nelson was averaging 16.7 points per game and 5.4 assists at the time.[7] After a four–month recovery, Nelson returned for the NBA Finals with the controversy decision by Stan Van Gundy for allowing him to play in heavy minutes by limited Rafer Alston playing,[8] which led the team into demise as the Magic were defeated by the Lakers in five games.[9]

On November 16, Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, and had arthroscopic surgery to repair his knee.[10] He returned to action on December 21.[11] Nelson and the Magic again surged into the playoffs with their third straight Southeast Division title, sweeping the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks before falling to the Boston Celtics in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. He averaged 19 points and 4.8 assists per game in Orlando's 14 playoff games.

Nelson getting ready to take a shot against Richard Jefferson of the San Antonio Spurs.

On March 18, 2011, Nelson made a game winning buzzer beater against the Denver Nuggets to secure an 85-82 victory for Orlando.[12][13] On April 10, 2011, Nelson's last-second three-pointer was ruled "no basket", and the Magic lost to the Chicago Bulls 102–99.[14]

Nelson and Dwight Howard, who were close friends since their rookie seasons, were on opposite sides of a trade that sent Rashard Lewis to Washington in exchange for Gilbert Arenas (Nelson considered Lewis one of the team's leaders while Howard reportedly pushed management into making the trade).[15] Their relationship was further strained when Howard publicly stated his desire to play with a superstar point guard like Deron Williams or Chris Paul,[16] and was reportedly the driving force behind the firing of coach Stan Van Gundy. Howard eventually forced a trade to the Lakers in the 2012 offseason. Despite this, Nelson re-signed with the Magic on a three-year deal.[17]

On February 23, 2014, Nelson scored his 8020th point, passing Shaquille O'Neal for fourth on the Magic's all-time scoring list.[18]

On June 30, 2014, he was waived by the Magic after 10 seasons with the team.[19][20]

Dallas Mavericks (2014)

On July 24, 2014, Nelson signed a two-year, $5.6 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks.[21][22] He appeared in 23 games for the Mavericks and averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Boston Celtics (2014–2015)

On December 18, 2014, Nelson was traded, along with Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, a 2015 first-round pick, a 2016 second-round pick and a $12.9 million trade exception, to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rajon Rondo and Dwight Powell.[23] In six games for Boston, Nelson averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 assists per game. In his second game with Boston, Nelson returned to Orlando for the first time since leaving for Dallas as a free agent.

Denver Nuggets (2015–2017)

On January 13, 2015, Nelson was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Nate Robinson.[24] On June 26, 2015, Nelson opted out of the remaining year of his contract with the Nuggets to become a free agent.[25]

On August 7, 2015, Nelson re-signed with the Nuggets.[26]

On October 18, 2017, Nelson was waived by the Nuggets.[27]

New Orleans Pelicans (2017–2018)

On October 22, 2017, Nelson signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.[28]

Detroit Pistons (2018)

On February 1, 2018, Nelson was traded, along with Ömer Aşık, Tony Allen and a protected first-round pick, to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Mirotić and a 2018 second-round pick. In addition, Chicago will have the right to swap its 2021 second-round pick with New Orleans' own 2021 second-round pick.[29] Seven days later, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Willie Reed and future second-round draft considerations.[30]

NBA career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2004–05	Orlando	79	21	20.4	.455	.312	.682	2.4	3.0	1.0	.0	8.7
2005–06	Orlando	62	33	28.8	.483	.424	.779	2.9	4.9	1.1	.1	14.6
2006–07	Orlando	77	77	30.3	.430	.335	.828	3.1	4.3	.9	.1	13.0
2007–08	Orlando	69	62	28.4	.469	.416	.828	3.5	5.6	.9	.1	10.9
2008–09	Orlando	42	42	31.2	.503	.453	.887	3.5	5.4	1.2	.1	16.7
2009–10	Orlando	65	64	28.6	.449	.381	.845	3.0	5.4	.7	.0	12.6
2010–11	Orlando	76	76	30.5	.446	.401	.802	3.0	6.0	1.0	.0	13.1
2011–12	Orlando	57	57	29.9	.427	.377	.807	3.2	5.7	.7	.1	11.9
2012–13	Orlando	56	56	35.3	.392	.341	.873	3.7	7.4	1.3	.1	14.7
2013–14	Orlando	68	68	32.0	.394	.348	.857	3.4	7.0	.8	.1	12.1
2014–15	Dallas	23	23	25.4	.374	.369	.875	2.7	4.1	.7	.1	7.3
2014–15	Boston	6	1	20.2	.220	.200	.667	2.8	5.5	1.2	.0	4.8
2014–15	Denver	34	5	20.6	.450	.354	.579	1.9	3.7	.7	.1	9.6
2015–16	Denver	39	15	26.6	.368	.299	.857	2.9	4.9	.6	.1	7.7
2016–17	Denver	75	39	27.3	.444	.388	.714	2.6	5.1	.7	.1	9.2
2017–18	New Orleans	43	0	20.9	.410	.364	.765	2.2	3.6	.5	.1	5.1
2017–18	Detroit	7	0	16.6	.282	.071	1.000	1.1	3.3	.6	.1	3.7
Career		878	640	27.9	.436	.368	.810	3.0	5.1	.9	.1	11.3

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2007	Orlando	4	4	32.3	.420	.357	.909	3.0	3.3	.8	.0	14.3
2008	Orlando	10	10	33.3	.504	.488	.757	4.1	4.7	.3	.2	16.2
2009	Orlando	5	0	18.0	.348	.167	.500	1.4	2.8	.2	.0	3.8
2010	Orlando	14	14	34.2	.479	.393	.823	3.6	4.8	1.0	.0	19.0
2011	Orlando	6	6	36.0	.378	.231	.786	4.2	5.0	2.0	.0	13.2
2012	Orlando	5	5	36.4	.392	.320	.750	3.8	6.6	.8	.2	15.6
Career		44	39	32.5	.445	.372	.792	3.5	4.6	.8	.1	15.0

Personal life

On August 30, 2007, Nelson's father, Floyd "Pete" Nelson, was reported missing after disappearing at his Chester tugboat repair shop located along the docks of the Delaware River at Front Street and Highland Avenue. Authorities said no one saw his father fall into the water. Nelson arrived at the search scene the next morning. On September 2, 2007, Floyd Nelson's body was found floating in the Delaware River. His death was ruled accidental.[31]

He has a tattoo on his back that says All Eyes On Me, and another one that says Accomplish Everything Without Fear.[32]

On July 5, 2008, he married long-time girlfriend, Imani Tillery. He has one son from a previous relationship, Jameer Jr., who is a guard for George Washington.[33]

References

1. "Jameer Lamar NELSON (USA)". FIBA.com. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
2. "Jameer Nelson - 2013-14 - Athletics". Saint Joseph's University. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
3. Smith, Sam (March 21, 2005). "Orlando, Skiles a perfect fit". ChicagoTribune.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2005. Retrieved March 21, 2005.
4. "Jameer Nelson, Orlando (30 pts., 8 ast., 5 rbs.) Is..." ChicagoTribune.com. April 14, 2005. Archived from the original on April 14, 2005. Retrieved April 14, 2005.
5. "Magic deal Francis to Knicks for Penny, Ariza". ESPN.com. February 22, 2006. Archived from the original on March 29, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
6. "Hornets' West an All-Star; voters snub Carmelo". ESPN.com. January 29, 2009. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
7. Magic's Nelson optimistic about playing again this season Archived November 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
8. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/194633-the-return-of-jameer-nelson-has-ruined-rafer-alston
9. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/197612-stan-van-gundy-what-ashame-you-are
10. "Bobcats vs. Magic - Game Recap - November 16, 2009 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
11. "Jazz vs. Magic - Game Recap - December 21, 2009 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
12. "Jameer Nelson drains 3 at buzzer as Magic prevail late". ESPN. Associated Press. March 18, 2011. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
13. "Jameer Nelson Hits the Game-Winner". YouTube.com. March 19, 2011. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
14. "Derrick Rose scores 39 as Bulls thwart Magic to hit 60-win plateau". ESPN. Associated Press. April 10, 2011. Archived from the original on April 25, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
15. Lee, Michael (December 12, 2011). "Wizards' Rashard Lewis on Dwight Howard situation: 'They can't focus on just being a basketball team'". washingtonpost.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
16. "Orlando Magic: Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson fire back at Dwight Howard for his comments". orlandosentinel.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
17. Robbins, Josh (July 16, 2012). "Orlando Magic finalize new 3-year contract with Jameer Nelson". OrlandoSentinel.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
18. "Magic at Raptors". nba.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
19. "Orlando Magic Waive Jameer Nelson - Orlando Magic". nba.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
20. "Press Release: Magic Waive Jameer Nelson - Orlando Magic". nba.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
21. "Mavs Sign Former All-Star Jameer Nelson". mavs.com. July 24, 2014. Archived from the original on July 25, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
22. "Jameer Nelson Finalizes Two-Year, $5.6M Deal With Mavericks". RealGM.com. July 24, 2014. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
23. "Boston Celtics Complete Trade With Dallas Mavericks". NBA.com. December 18, 2014. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
24. "Nuggets Acquire Former All-Star Jameer Nelson From Boston - Denver Nuggets". nba.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
25. "Jameer Nelson opts out of contract with Denver Nuggets". denverpost.com. June 26, 2015. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
26. "Nuggets Re-Sign Darrell Arthur, Will Barton and Jameer Nelson". NBA.com. August 7, 2015. Archived from the original on August 10, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
27. "Jameer Nelson waived by Nuggets, clearing way for Denver to sign Richard Jefferson". DenverPost.com. October 18, 2017. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
28. "Pelicans Sign Jameer Nelson". NBA.com. October 22, 2017. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
29. "Bulls acquire Asik, Nelson, Allen, and first-round pick from New Orleans". NBA.com. February 1, 2018. Archived from the original on February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
30. "Detroit Pistons Acquire Veteran Guard Jameer Nelson". NBA.com. February 8, 2018. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
31. "NBA.com Police: Body is Jameer Nelson's Father". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
32. "NBA.com - Jameer Nelson Interview From China". www.nba.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
33. "ESPN.com: Page 2 : St. Joe's serves up smiles all around". sports.espn.go.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2018.

External links

• Official website

• Career statistics and player information from NBA.com, or Basketball-Reference.com
• Saint Joseph's bio at the Wayback Machine (archived April 11, 2004)