Sixers make Nelson a Blue Coats leader

The 76ers announced that Nelson will serve as the assistant general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats.

Three weeks ago the 76ers announced they were bringing in former Chester High and Saint Joseph’s great Jameer Nelson to be part of the front office staff.

Wednesday, the position became official.

The 76ers announced that Nelson will indeed serve as the assistant general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the team’s affiliate in the NBA G League.

Nelson, a 14-year NBA veteran and former all-star, will help with scouting efforts while assisting Blue Coats general manager Matt Lilly in overseeing all aspects of basketball operations for the team, which is based in Wilmington.

“I can’t wait to get started. I am energized by the chance to help shape this organization’s future,” Nelson said in a statement released by the team. “I want to thank the 76ers and Blue Coats for the opportunity, and I look forward to using what I learned during my playing career to identify and elevate talent within our program.”

Nelson was named the Daily Times Player of the Year in 2000 and then went on to an All-America career on Hawk Hill where he was a near-unanimous choice as

the national Player of the Year in 2004 after leading the Hawks to a 27-0 regular-season record. Nelson is Saint Joseph’s career leader in points (2,094), assists (713) and steals (256).

Nelson was taken with the 20th pick in the 2004

NBA Draft. He played in 878 career games with six teams and averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 assists in his career. Nelson earned AllStar honors in 2008-09 and led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals that season. He ranks first in Magic history in assists (3,501), second in games played (651), third in 3-pointers made (874) and fifth in points (8,184) and steals (619).

We are thrilled to welcome Jameer Nelson to the organization as he takes the next step in his storied basketball career,” Lilly said. “Jameer is a natural fit, given his tremendous playing career, deep industry relationships and strong connection to our communities on and off the court. I am eager to work with him as we continue to grow our program in Delaware.”