page_title: Jameer Nelson
section_title: Orlando Magic (2004–2014)
hierarchical_section_title: Jameer Nelson / Professional career / Orlando Magic (2004–2014)
caption_attribution_description: Jameer Nelson vs San Antonio Spurs.
context_page_description: Jameer Lamar Nelson is an American former professional basketball player who played for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association. 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.
context_section_description: 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. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and garnered Rookie of the Year consideration.
  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. 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 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. 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. 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, which led the team into demise as the Magic were defeated by the Lakers in five games.
  On November 16, Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, and had arthroscopic surgery to repair his knee. He returned to action on December 21. 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.
  On March 18, 2011, Nelson made a game winning buzzer beater against the Denver Nuggets to secure an 85-82 victory for Orlando. On April 10, 2011, Nelson's last-second three-pointer was ruled "no basket", and the Magic lost to the Chicago Bulls 102–99.
  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). Their relationship was further strained when Howard publicly stated his desire to play with a superstar point guard like Deron Williams or Chris Paul, 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.
  On February 23, 2014, Nelson scored his 8020th point, passing Shaquille O'Neal for fourth on the Magic's all-time scoring list.
  On June 30, 2014, he was waived by the Magic after 10 seasons with the team.
caption: Nelson getting ready to take a shot against Richard Jefferson of the San Antonio Spurs.
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