Jameer Nelson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jameer Nelson

Nelson with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017
Delaware Blue Coats
General manager
Personal information
Born	(1982-02-09) February 9, 1982 (age 43) Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
High school	Chester (Chester, Pennsylvania)
Listed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
College	Saint Joseph's (2000–2004)
NBA Draft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
Selected by the Denver Nuggets
Pro career	2004–2018
League	NBA G League
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) Bob Cousy Award (2004) Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (2004) Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (2004) Adolph Rupp Trophy (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
Career NBA statistics
Points	9,940 (11.3 ppg)
Rebounds	2,595 (3.0 rpg)
Assists	4,508 (5.1 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing  United States FIBA U21 World Championship Gold 2001 Saitama Team

Jameer Lamar Nelson Sr. (born February 9, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player. He is currently the general manager for the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G League.

Nelson played college basketball for the Saint Joseph's Hawks. In 2004, he was named the best college player in the country. He was picked 20th in the 2004 NBA draft. Nelson played his first ten years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic. In 2009, he became an All-Star and played in the NBA Finals with the Magic. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons.

High School Basketball Career

Nelson went to Chester High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was a star player on the basketball team. In 2000, he helped his team win the PIAA AAAA State championship.

College Basketball Journey

Nelson started playing at Saint Joseph's University in the 2000–01 season. He had an amazing first year and was named the best freshman player in the country. During his third year (2002–03), he averaged almost 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He thought about joining the NBA early but decided to stay for his senior year.

In the 2003–04 season, Nelson led the Saint Joseph's Hawks to a perfect 27–0 record in the regular season. Their first loss came in the Atlantic 10 tournament. Nelson and his teammate Delonte West were considered one of the best backcourt duos in the nation. They helped the Hawks get a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

The team made it to the Elite Eight, almost reaching the Final Four. Saint Joseph's finished with a 30–2 record, which was the best in the university's history. Nelson averaged 20.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.9 steals per game that year. He won many awards, including the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for being the top senior player. Nelson left Saint Joseph's as the school's all-time leader in points (2,094), assists (714), and steals (256). His jersey number 14 was retired by the university in 2004.

Because of his great senior year, Nelson won many top awards. These included the 2004 Wooden Award and the 2004 Naismith Award. He was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Professional Basketball Career

Orlando Magic (2004–2014)

Nelson played for the Orlando Magic from 2004 to 2014.

Nelson with his Magic teammate Dwight Howard.

The Denver Nuggets picked Nelson 20th overall in the 2004 NBA draft. He was then traded to the Orlando Magic. Many thought he would be picked earlier, but the Magic were happy to get both Nelson and Dwight Howard in the same draft.

As a rookie, Nelson was the main backup to the Magic's All-Star point guard Steve Francis. Nelson played so well that the Magic moved Francis to shooting guard. This allowed Nelson to become the starting point guard. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

In 2006, the Magic traded Francis, making Nelson the team's long-term starting point guard. Nelson's game improved, and he finished the season averaging 14.6 points and 5 assists per game.

The next year (2006–07), Nelson helped the Magic reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003. They were swept by the Detroit Pistons in the first round.

During the 2008 All-Star weekend, Nelson helped his teammate Dwight Howard with some of his famous dunks. That year, the Magic made the playoffs again. They beat the Toronto Raptors in the first round. This was Orlando's first playoff series win in 12 years.

Nelson taking a shot.

In the 2008–09 season, Nelson had career-best numbers in points and shooting percentages. He was chosen to play in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game along with Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. However, a shoulder injury kept him from playing in the game. Nelson was averaging 16.7 points and 5.4 assists at the time. After four months, Nelson returned for the NBA Finals. The Magic lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

In November 2009, Nelson had knee surgery. He returned to play in December. Nelson and the Magic made it to the playoffs again. They won their third straight division title. They swept the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks. Then, they lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Nelson averaged 19 points and 4.8 assists per game in those playoffs.

Nelson getting ready to shoot.

On March 18, 2011, Nelson hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer against the Denver Nuggets. This gave Orlando an 85–82 victory.

Nelson and Dwight Howard were good friends since their rookie years. However, their relationship became difficult. Howard wanted to play with other star point guards. He also reportedly pushed for the coach, Stan Van Gundy, to be fired. Howard eventually left the Magic in 2012. Despite this, Nelson signed a new three-year deal with the Magic.

On February 23, 2014, Nelson scored his 8020th point. This moved him past Shaquille O'Neal for fourth place on the Magic's all-time scoring list. On June 30, 2014, the Magic let him go after 10 seasons.

Dallas Mavericks (2014)

Nelson played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2014.

On July 24, 2014, Nelson signed a two-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He played in 23 games for the Mavericks. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Boston Celtics (2014–2015)

On December 18, 2014, Nelson was traded to the Boston Celtics. He played six games for Boston, averaging 4.8 points and 5.5 assists. In his second game with Boston, Nelson played in Orlando for the first time since leaving the Magic.

Denver Nuggets (2015–2017)

On January 13, 2015, Nelson was traded to the Denver Nuggets. On June 26, 2015, Nelson chose to end his contract with the Nuggets early to become a free agent. He then re-signed with the Nuggets on August 7, 2015. On October 18, 2017, the Nuggets released Nelson.

New Orleans Pelicans (2017–2018)

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

Detroit Pistons (2018)

On February 1, 2018, Nelson was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Seven days later, he was traded again to the Detroit Pistons. Nelson's last NBA game was on March 13, 2018. He played for 26 minutes and had 4 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal.

Executive Career

On November 11, 2020, the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League hired Nelson. He became their assistant general manager.

Career Statistics

College Stats

NBA Regular Season Stats

NBA Playoff Stats

Personal Life

On August 30, 2007, Jameer Nelson's father, Floyd "Pete" Nelson, went missing. He disappeared from his tugboat repair shop near the Delaware River. His body was found a few days later in the river. His death was ruled an accident.

Jameer Nelson has two tattoos on his back. One says All Eyes On Me, and the other says Accomplish Everything Without Fear.

On July 5, 2008, he married his long-time girlfriend, Imani Tillery. He also has a son from a previous relationship, Jameer Jr.. Jameer Jr. played basketball as a guard for TCU.

See also

In Spanish: Jameer Nelson para niños