Most role players who end up having long careers in the NBA (think Shane Battier type of players) have one thing in common; they’re all great teammates. Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson is no different. Past his prime and settling into a role off the bench, Nelson is keeping morale.
According to Orlando Magic Daily, Nelson finished fifth in the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate Award. This is voted on by NBA players, and is meant to find the best teammate in the NBA. The winner for last season was Tim Duncan, while Chauncey Billups and Shane Battier have won it previously.
Mar 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (28) directs his team during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Players can’t vote for those in their own team. This makes Tim Duncan’s accomplishment all the more impressive as he’s played for the Spurs his whole career. Vince Carter, Elton Brand and Ryan Anderson finished between Duncan and Nelson.
Jameer Nelson has already shown that he has a lot to give to younger Nuggets players, especially Emmanuel Mudiay. Nelson had the chance to join a contender this offseason, but instead chose to stick around in Denver and help with the rebuild.