The Philadelphia 76ers have waived guard Jameer Nelson Jr., finalizing their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season opener. The team made the move on Saturday, opting to award its final two-way contract to center Tacko Fall instead.
Nelson Jr. signed a training camp deal with the 76ers this past offseason. He appeared in four preseason games, making a notable debut on October 6. In that game, he posted 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal in 15 minutes off the bench. His father, former Orlando Magic All-Star Jameer Nelson, was in attendance.
Despite that performance, the 25-year-old guard could not secure a permanent spot. The 76ers brought several players to camp to compete for the final two-way contract. The team's front office decided Fall's size and potential offered more immediate value.
Jameer Nelson Jr. is the son of 2009 NBA All-Star Jameer Nelson. He played college basketball at George Washington, Delaware, and Texas Christian. During his 2023 season at Delaware, he averaged an impressive 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
He shot 44.5% from the field across 29 contests. That production, however, has not yet translated to a regular-season NBA appearance. This preseason stint with Philadelphia was his closest opportunity to break into the league.
The situation carries a unique family dynamic. Jameer Nelson Sr., the player's father, is a key executive within the very organization that just waived his son. In June, the 76ers promoted Nelson to Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.
He is now the No. 2 executive under President Mike Gansey. Nelson Sr. played 14 NBA seasons, spending his first decade with the Orlando Magic. He later had stints with Dallas, Boston, Denver, New Orleans and Detroit before moving into the front office.
With the roster now set, the 76ers turn their focus to the regular season. They open their campaign on the road against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden this Tuesday. The team is coming off a preseason where they finalized these tough roster decisions.
Their recent form shows a team finding its rhythm. In their last five outings, including preseason and early season games, they have won three and lost two. That stretch includes a 101-123 loss to the Boston Celtics on November 10.
The immediate task is a home game against the Toronto Raptors on November 12. Nelson Jr.'s departure concludes one chapter of the preseason, allowing the team to fully concentrate on the games that count.
