The 5 most underrated Nuggets starters from the Jokic era

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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 11: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts pressure on Jameer Nelson #1 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 11, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Jameer Nelson

Mostly known for his prime years with the Orlando Magic, Jameer Nelson brought veteran leadership and playmaking to the Denver Nuggets. Nelson was named the 2004 Naismith College Player of the Year before Denver actually drafted him and traded him to Orlando.

The fun-sized point guard joined the Nuggets in his age-32 season and left two years after Jokic’s arrival. He started 59 games across two-and-a-half seasons, and he posted 10.7 points per contest as a starter. He also averaged 5.9 dimes during these starts.

Nelson also provided mentorship for a rookie Murray during his final season in Denver. The Blue Arrow only started 10 games that season and got a front-row seat to Nelson and his measured playmaking acumen.

Prime Nelson was a 2008-09 All-Star who commanded Orlando’s offense for eight seasons as the starting point guard. In his college heyday, he led Saint Joseph’s University to a 27-0 regular season with a Sweet 16 appearance at March Madness.

While Denver never saw Nelson at his peak, the NCAA legend cracked 20 points on nine separate occasions as a Nugget. He also notched double-digit assists four different times. In one of his highlight performances with Denver, Nelson dropped 21 points and 13 assists in a Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nelson may not have reached the playoffs with Denver, but his veteran presence and role as a Murray mentor laid part of the foundation for today’s Nuggets.

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