With the hope of getting drafted, Alabama’s 6’11” forward Grant Nelson entered the 2025 NBA Draft, but the unexpected happened. He was projected as high as No. 25 by some analysts, his undrafted status, which came as a shock to many, given his Combine performance and college performance. However, he did not stay on the market for long.
Within hours, reports emerged that he had signed with the Brooklyn Nets to compete for a two-way contract, a deal which gives him room to split time between the NBA and the G League while playing up to 50 NBA games.
Michael Scotto, Host of The HoopsHype Podcast, reported Nelson’s signing. Evidently, his skills might complement the team’s need for energy off the bench, and the two-way contract will give him a lifeline, but with no guarantees. With 15 standard contracts and one two-way player (Tosan Evbuomwan) already signed, Brooklyn’s roster is full of talented players.
Nelson will compete against other undrafted talents, like former Gonzaga star Drew Timme, for a spot. The training camp, set for late September 2025, will be his first chance to prove he belongs, likely with the Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. Success there could lead to NBA minutes.
Tracing Grant Nelson’s Rise to the NBA Draft
Nelson’s basketball roots trace back to Devils Lake, North Dakota. As a senior, he was an exceptional player at Devils Lake High School, averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks per game, earning the 2019 North Dakota Mr. Basketball award.
Despite his dominance, major programs passed him on, and he committed to North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he became a mid-major in the Summit League.
As a freshman in 2020-2021, he earned Summit League Sixth Man of the Year and All-Newcomer Team honors, showcasing his potential off the bench with 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
His sophomore year saw growth, but his junior season in 2022-2023 was a breakout: 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, earning All-Summit League First Team and All-Defensive Team nods. His blend of size, mobility, and skill put him on NBA radars, leading him to test the 2023 NBA Draft waters while retaining college eligibility.
Landing with the Brooklyn Nets on a two-way contract gives him a platform to display his athleticism, defensive instincts, and untapped potential, but the road ahead requires growth. Improving his three-point shooting consistency and adding physicality will be essential in securing him a stable NBA role.
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