Longtime point guard Jameer Nelson hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since March of 2018, but he tells Josh Robbins of The Athletic that he hasn’t given up on resuming his career if a team expresses interest.
“I continue to stay in shape just in case somebody calls,” Nelson said. “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, then there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Although Nelson is still working out in case he gets another opportunity, he sounds as if he’s prepared to move onto the next phase of his career, according to Robbins, who writes that the 37-year-old is interested in finding broadcasting work. Nelson participated in the NBPA’s four-day broadcaster training program in June and is intrigued by the idea of becoming a color commentator.
“I love talking about the game, I love giving my knowledge,” Nelson told Robbins. “I played for 14 years (in the NBA), so I know situations, I know styles of play. If you listen to a guy who has played at a high level for a long time, I’m sure you can learn something.
“… I just have to get the reps,” he added. “Get the reps and be me.”
Nelson has appeared in 878 total regular season games for the Magic, Mavericks, Celtics, Nuggets, Pelicans, and Pistons since entering the league in 2004, earning an All-Star nod and a Finals appearance with Orlando in 2009.
He put up some of the worst numbers of his career in 2017/18 with New Orleans and Detroit, but was an effective contributor the year before for Denver, averaging 9.2 PPG and 5.1 APG on .444/.388/.714 shooting in 75 games (27.3 MPG) for the Nuggets.
I really like jameer I hope someone will sign him
I was in Orlando when he played for the Magic – he was always a class act. As I remember, he did a lot of community work with kids; that’s always a plus in my book.
I would say that the Rockets should sign him but Westbrook will be playing 48 minutes a game, maybe more if someone cheats and is actually able to have the game tied after regulation
There’s three guys I always think of together when one of their names is mentioned. Big Time proof you don’t have to be 6-6 to make it in the NBA and have a good career.
All three of these guys are 5-10 and not super fast or super talented or All- NBA skilled. But their grit and determination and mind set and attitude and being very good basketball players have given them long careers.
Jameer Nelson, Raymond Felton, and Ty Lawson have all seemed to stick around despite their physical shortcomings.