Career Timeline of Jameer Nelson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jameer Nelson made an impact.

Jameer Nelson is a former American professional basketball player currently serving as general manager for the Delaware Blue Coats. He gained prominence at Saint Joseph's, earning national player of the year honors in 2004. Drafted into the NBA in 2004, Nelson spent a decade with the Orlando Magic, becoming an All-Star in 2009 and reaching the NBA Finals. He subsequently played for several other teams, including the Mavericks, Celtics, Nuggets, Pelicans, and Pistons, before retiring and transitioning to a management role.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2000: Began Playing at Saint Joseph's University

In 2000, Jameer Nelson began his play at Saint Joseph's University.

2002: Junior Season at Saint Joseph's University

During his junior season in 2002, Jameer Nelson averaged 19.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

2003: Declared for NBA Draft, then Returned to College

In 2003, Jameer Nelson declared for the NBA draft but later decided to remain for his senior season at Saint Joseph's University.

2003: Hawks Regular Season Record in 2003-04

In 2003-04 season, Jameer Nelson led the Saint Joseph's Hawks to a 27-0 regular season record.

2003: Return to Postseason

The following year, Nelson helped lead the Magic back into the postseason for the first time since 2003.

2004: Named National College Player of the Year and Drafted into the NBA

In 2004, Jameer Nelson was named national college player of the year. He was also drafted 20th overall in the 2004 NBA draft.

2004: Drafted by Denver Nuggets and Traded to Orlando Magic

In the 2004 NBA draft, Jameer Nelson was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets and was subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

2005: Traded to the Orlando Magic

In 2004, Jameer Nelson was traded to the Orlando Magic for a 2005 first-round draft pick.

February 22, 2006: Became Starting Point Guard for Orlando Magic

On February 22, 2006, the Magic traded Francis to the New York Knicks, which paved the way for Nelson to become the long-term starting point guard of Orlando.

2008: Career Highs and All-Star Selection

During the 2008-09 NBA season, Jameer Nelson set career highs in points, steals, and shooting percentages. He was selected to play in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

2008: Assisted Dwight Howard in Slam Dunk Contest and Playoff Run

In 2008, Jameer Nelson assisted teammate Dwight Howard in the Slam Dunk Contest. The Magic made the playoffs, defeating the Toronto Raptors before falling to the Pistons.

2009: Torn Labrum and NBA Finals Appearance

In 2009, Jameer Nelson suffered a torn labrum and missed the All-Star game. He returned for the NBA Finals, where the Magic were defeated by the Lakers.

2009: NBA All-Star and Finals Appearance

In 2009, Jameer Nelson was named an NBA All-Star and made an appearance in the NBA Finals with the Orlando Magic.

March 18, 2011: Game-Winning Buzzer Beater

On March 18, 2011, Jameer Nelson made a game winning buzzer beater against the Denver Nuggets, securing an 85-82 victory for Orlando.

April 10, 2011: Last-Second Three-Pointer Ruled "No Basket"

On April 10, 2011, Jameer Nelson's last-second three-pointer was ruled "no basket", and the Magic lost to the Chicago Bulls 102-99.

2012: Re-signed with the Magic

In 2012, Jameer Nelson re-signed with the Magic on a three-year deal despite strained relationships with Dwight Howard.

February 23, 2014: Passed Shaquille O'Neal on Magic's All-Time Scoring List

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

June 30, 2014: Waived by the Orlando Magic

On June 30, 2014, Jameer Nelson was waived by the Magic after 10 seasons with the team.

July 24, 2014: Signed with the Dallas Mavericks

On July 24, 2014, Jameer Nelson signed a two-year, $5.6 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

December 18, 2014: Traded to the Boston Celtics

On December 18, 2014, Jameer Nelson was traded to the Boston Celtics.

January 13, 2015: Traded to the Denver Nuggets

On January 13, 2015, Jameer Nelson was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Nate Robinson.

June 26, 2015: Opted Out of Contract with the Nuggets

On June 26, 2015, Jameer Nelson opted out of the remaining year of his contract with the Denver Nuggets to become a free agent.

August 7, 2015: Re-signed with the Nuggets

On August 7, 2015, Jameer Nelson re-signed with the Denver Nuggets.

2015: Traded to the Boston Celtics

On December 18, 2014, Jameer 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.