Nelson gets ‘goosebumps' from rise up Sixers' ranks

June 10, 2026 - 21:04

For Chester native Jameer Nelson, his new role as the Philadelphia 76ers' assistant general manager is more than just a promotion. It is a full-circle moment that leaves him with chills. Nelson, who grew up in the shadows of the team's former arena, described the feeling of rising to the No. 2 spot in the front office as "surreal." He admitted that seeing his name alongside the franchise he grew up watching gives him literal goosebumps.

Nelson's journey is not a typical one. After a standout college career at Saint Joseph's and a 14-year NBA run, he transitioned into the Sixers' player development program. Now, he sits in the executive suite, helping shape the roster. He emphasized that the climb was not about ego but about proving that a local kid with a deep understanding of the game could contribute at the highest level. The move makes him one of the few former players to hold such a high-ranking front office position with the same team he played for. For Nelson, the promotion is validation of his hard work and a testament to the organization's belief in his basketball acumen. He now focuses on player evaluation and roster construction, hoping to bring a championship back to the city that raised him.