Players like Jameer Nelson don’t tend to last in the NBA as long as Nelson has. Undersized scoring point guards have to be incredibly good just to break into a rotation, let alone start for an elite team, make an All-Star game, and play well for over a decade. Now, entering the last few seasons of his career, Nelson needs to change how he plays.
Once a good athlete at PG, Nelson now lacks the speed younger guards possess. Therefore, he says he needs to change the way he plays, per The Players’ Tribune.
"I’m now entering a veteran position in my career. Spending more than a decade in this league teaches you a lot. With the league shifting as it has, I’ve had to make adjustments to my own game as well. I still have my quickness and my speed, but I’ve learned I have to use both more wisely now. These younger point guards are extremely fast, and really strong and talented. So I have to use my veteran knowledge of the game and my strength to slow guys down."
Feb 3, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (28) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard JaKarr Sampson (9) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Despite these disadvantages, Nelson is probably one of the better backup point guards in the NBA. He’s a great shooter, can run a team, is good in the pick and roll roll while being smart on defense. He’ll have a big role to play this season with the Nuggets.