Former Detroit Pistons player Jameer Nelson hired by 76ers

Jameer Nelson finished his long NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. He was known as a smart player, but he begins his new career as an executive with a front office known for recent dumb moves in the Philadelphia 76ers.

The last affiliation Jameer Nelson had with the NBA was playing seven games for the Detroit Pistons in the 2017-18 season. He then retired to cap a solid 14-year career where he mostly played the role of the smart, slick point guard.

Nelson was brought in by Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy in February, 2018 via a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. He had been a standout for Van Gundy back with the Orlando Magic. Nelson averaged 3.7 points in his time with the Pistons and retired.

After taking a broadcasting course sponsored by the NBA Players Association last year, Nelson has instead decided to enter the executive ranks.

Numerous reports have Nelson taking a position with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Although Nelson never played for the 76ers, he is a native of Chester, a town outside of Philadelphia. In college he was a standout at Saint Joseph’s University in Philly, leading the Hawks to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2004. The coach of that St. Joe’s team was current Michigan assistant Phil Martelli.

He will be a scout for the Sixers and also serve as assistant general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers G-League affiliate.

The Blue Coats front office has been a stepping stone to much bigger things. Current 76ers general manager was the Blue Coats GM just two years ago.

After a series of moves last summer blew up in their face, culminating in being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, Brand promised some more ‘basketball minds’ in the 76ers front office.

Although many of the basketball executives brought in by former GM Bryan Colangelo are still entrenched, Nelson is among some newcomers reportedly being brought in to get fresh voices into a front office that sorely needs it.