- published: 22 Aug 2012
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Jameer Nelson (born February 9, 1982) is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for Saint Joseph's University before being drafted 20th overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. He was later traded to the Orlando Magic on draft night and went on to play ten seasons with the franchise, earning his only All-Star nod in 2009. In July 2014, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, who traded him to the Boston Celtics in December 2014. The Celtics then traded him to Denver on January 13, 2015.
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.
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.