NBA: Former Magic Star Open To Returning As Backup For Interested Teams

Jameer Nelson never officially retired from playing in the NBA. He last played in 2018 for the Detroit Pistons and has since been left idle. Like many other NBA vets, the 37-year-old All-Star guard has not closed the book on suiting up once more. If no interest comes his way, the 20th overall pick of the 2004 NBA Draft would not mind doing color commentary as well.

If his last taste of action is to be factored in, Nelson may have a hard time convincing teams that he can still be of use as a backup guard. He split the 2017-18 NBA season between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Pistons, hardly showing numbers that could back him up.

Nelson played 43 games for the Pelicans, averaging 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Those numbers dipped in Detroit where the former NBA All-Star played just 7 games and normed 3.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He holds career averages of 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.

Regardless, Nelson said to The Athletic that he continues to keep himself in shape. This is despite knowing that he may or may not get the chance to suit up for any NBA team again.

“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.”

If that fails to materialize, Nelson is looking to join other former NBA stars who make the jump as analysts or commentators. With years of basketball under his belt, there is no doubt that Nelson can share interesting views on the teams and players of today.

“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," he said.

It remains to be seen which team would take a chance on a veteran guard like him, someone who had his best years with the Orlando Magic from 2004 to 2014. The best he can get is a backup role and act as a mentor to younger players. Ironically, he did mention in a previous post that the Magic need more guards if they are to make a serious run this 2019-20 season.

Could he be referring to himself? If so, a reunion with the Magic for at least one year could be perfect. But the question is whether Orlando is open to the idea.