Grant Nelson didn’t waste his opportunity.
Making his NBA debut Friday night after signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the day, the former Alabama forward showed exactly why he earned the call-up. In just 10 minutes of action, Nelson filled the stat sheet and made his presence felt in multiple ways.
The 7 foot big man finished with 3 points on a perfect 1-for-1 shooting from the field, added 1-of-2 from the free-throw line, and contributed across the board with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks. It wasn’t a flashy scoring night, but it was an efficient, high-impact performance that showcased his versatility and basketball IQ.
Advertisement
What stood out most wasn’t the points.
It was everything else.
Nelson moved the ball confidently, made smart reads, and played unselfish basketball. Four assists in limited minutes is no accident, especially for a frontcourt player making his first appearance at the NBA level. He showed the same passing ability Alabama fans saw throughout his time in Tuscaloosa: the ability to facilitate offense and keep teammates involved.
Defensively, he also made an immediate impact. His two blocks highlighted the length, timing, and athleticism that made him such a disruptive force in college.
Even in a small sample size, he proved he can protect the rim and alter shots against elite competition.
Advertisement
Rebounding and hustle were there too. Nelson battled inside, grabbed boards, and played with energy on every possession. Nothing about his debut looked overwhelmed or rushed. He played like someone who belonged.
And that’s the biggest takeaway.
For a player who went undrafted and worked his way through the G League, getting those first NBA minutes is everything.
Nelson didn’t try to do too much.
He stayed within himself, played team basketball, defended, passed, and capitalized on the opportunities he got.
That kind of performance is exactly how players turn short-term deals into longer looks.
For Alabama fans, it’s another proud moment seeing one of their own compete on basketball’s biggest stage.
Advertisement
For the Nets, it may have been just a brief cameo.
For Grant Nelson, it was proof.
He belongs.