Magic waive former St. Joseph's star Nelson

Orlando, FL -- The Orlando Magic have waived former St. Joseph's star Jameer Nelson.


The veteran guard was originally selected by Denver in the first round (20th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft, but was acquired by Orlando in exchange for a future first round pick on draft night. 

He has played in 651 career NBA regular season games (556 starts), all with Orlando, averaging 12.6 ppg., 5.4 apg. and 3.1 rpg. in 29.2 minpg., while shooting .374 (874-2,335) from three-point range and .817 (1,092-1,337) from the free throw line.  He also appeared in 44 career playoff games, averaging 15.0 ppg., 4.6 apg. and 3.5 rpg. in 32.5 minpg.

“Jameer (Nelson) is the ultimate professional,” said Magic GM Rob Hennigan.  “We truly thank him for his contributions to the organization, both on the court and in the community, during the last decade.  He will always be a member of the Magic family.”


Nelson will leave the Magic Kingdom as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists with 3,501.  He also ranks second in games played (651) and field goals attempted (7,033), third in minutes played (19,038), three-pointers made (874) and three-pointers attempted (2,335), fourth in scoring (8,184 points) and field goals made (3,109) and fifth in steals (619). 

He was named an NBA All-Star in 2009 and earned the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor twice (periods ending Dec. 21, 2008, Jan. 18, 2009).  Nelson was also named to the 2004-05 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

"I appreciate the opportunity the Orlando Magic has afforded me and my family over the past ten years,” said Nelson.  “I'd like to thank the DeVos family, team management, and all the coaches that have provided me guidance, mentoring, and the ability to play the game that I love in the town that I love.

“I'd also like to give sincere and special thanks to the great Magic fans.  You have loyally supported me since my first day in Orlando and have always been there for me and my family.  You made it easy for us to adopt Orlando as our second home and we will miss you.

"All good things must come to an end, however, and it's time to move on.  I look forward to continuing my career as an NBA player and will never take for granted my time in Orlando."