Grant Nelson has had a very unconventional path to get to where he is today on the Long Island Nets. The story with Nelson is so fascinating for many to hear and see. The seven-foot Nelson was pegged as a second
rounder in the 2025 NBA Draft, but late in the second, he reportedly passed on an opportunity to hear Mark Tatum call his name and instead became a free agent.
He had even predicted it.
“There’s interest, a lot, like later in the second round,” Nelson told WDAY, his hometown TV station in Fargo, N.D. before the second round. “It’s looking like either second round and then if it comes down to a team I really don’t feel like it fit best with that wants to draft me, I’ll probably just pass up on that … go undrafted, sign a two-way and then I get to kind of choose the position I get put in.”
And that’s what happened.
Simply put, Nelson wanted to carve his own path to the NBA.
Instead of being drafted, Nelson chose this route to find himself as a member of the Brooklyn Nets organization. This was a clear-cut example of what happens when you bet on yourself … and win. (Austin Reaves did the same thing in 2021, winding up with the Lakers.)
Nelson didn’t get a two-way deal (yet, at least) but after signing an Exhibit 10 deal with Brooklyn, he’s been training at the G League level with the Long Island Nets, and has been working closely with the associate head coach, Shawn Swords, and a fellow big, rookie, Danny Wolf.
Nelson told NetsDaily that his decision was based on what he and his agent thought was best for his development and that was the Brooklyn Nets coaching staff…
“I really like the coaching staff,” Nelson told NetsDaily Thursday. “I like the plan they had. There’s a lot that goes into it. My agent knows a lot more than me, so I just really trusted his plan, and I feel like this is a great spot to be. I like my teammates, coaches, and the system.”
It was not the first unconventional step.
Nelson grew up in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, population 7,314. At his high school, Nelson named All-State during his junior season, and was even named “North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball” officially and nicknamed “Dakota Durant.“ He won greater local fandom when he decided to stay home and play at Division I North Dakota State.
After three years with the Bison, he transferred to Alabama where he caught the attention of NBA scouts for his athleticism and potential as a 3-and-D prospect, more D than 3, averaging 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, one of which got a lot of play.
Then, at the NBA Draft Combine, he had a breakout performance…
Now, he looks to build on his impressive resume at the professional level. While he could have found his home in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Nelson took a big risk and decided to go all in on himself and attempt to find a home as an undrafted free agent. To his credit, it’s worked … so far.
In the Summer League, Nelson averaged 6.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 19.1 minutes per game for Brooklyn. Nelson now is a member of the G League Nets roster, and hoping to become the next big man in the Nets pipeline.
When ND has the chance to speak with Nelson, he is asked about his mindset being a part of the Long Island team during the upcoming season.
“Just doing a lot to develop my game, as well as helping the team win as many games as we possibly can,” Nelson says. “I know ultimately, if I’m doing the right thing on the court, that leads to team success and my own success.”
Nelson also wants to work on a few specific areas of his game. “My shot,” Nelson tells ND. “I’ve been working on that a lot this summer, and then guarding one through five. I think if I’m able to switch on the guards and guard the perimeter, that will help a lot… Overall, learning the game and learning the NBA system.”
While they may not be the winningest program on the court, the Brooklyn organization remains one that many players want to be a part of. Long Island’s head coach, Mfon Udofia, has developed several solid players including Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson.
It remains to be seen how Long Island’s line-up looks like on opening night Friday and along with Wolf, Long Island has another near 7-footer in Muoka. That said, Nelson has all the makings of a major role player on this Long Island team, a team that has so much hype behind it because of the Flatbush 5, Nelson is a name to remember.
The Long Island Nets kick off their season on Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST against the Capital City Go-Go at the Nassau Coliseum.
