Though Jameer Nelson hasn't officially hung up his jersey and sneakers for good, he already has a plan once he retires.
In an interview with Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the former Orlando Magic guard admitted that he wants to pursue a career in broadcasting and become a color commentator. He emphasized he has a passion for talking about the game and sharing his knowledge.
Given his wealth of experience, Nelson is pretty sure that listeners can learn more than a thing or two about the game from him.
“I love talking about the game, I love giving my knowledge,” Nelson said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “I played for 14 years (in the NBA), so I know situations, I know styles of play. If you listen to a guy who has played at a high level for a long time, I’m sure you can learn something.”
Nelson played for the Detroit Pistons last season. He's primarily known for his stint with the Magic where he became an All-Star. He was also a critical piece in the team's trip to the NBA Finals in 2010.
Last June, Nelson attended the Basketball Players Association’s Broadcaster U. program — a four-day crash course aimed to prepare current and former players for a new career.
He admires the work of fellow ballers like Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. However, he really looks up to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, particularly his ability to foresee teams' plays before they actually happen.
Nelson believes that he can still play, but in the event that it doesn't work out, he'll gladly start a new chapter in his basketball career.