Brooklyn Nets forward Grant Nelson, left, drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Grant Nelson made his NBA debut Friday night.
The Brooklyn Nets announced earlier Friday that Nelson had made the team, confirming earlier reports that Nelson was signing a 10-day NBA contract.
Nelson had been playing for the Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. He was averaging 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 20.6 minutes of playing time per game.
Nelson, a Devils Lake High School graduate, appeared on a YES Network interview before the game and said, “It’s really just a dream come true. I’m just going to do what I can, continue to keep working and hopefully do whatever I can to help this team win some games.”
The Nets are 15-44. They traveled to Boston Friday night, where they played a close first half with the Celtics (39-20) before eventually falling 148-111.
When the game got out of hand, Nelson had his chance to show what he’s got.
Nelson played for the final nine minutes and 50 seconds of regulation.
He did a little bit of everything throughout his time in the game. His first NBA basket came on a two-handed dunk with 6:36 left, using his near-seven-foot size to get over Boston’s Luka Garza.
Nelson later made 1-of-2 free throws to finish with three points.
He added four assists, two defensive rebounds and two blocks. An article on kfgo.com said Nelson is just the 13th player in the NBA this season to record four assists while getting under 10 minutes of playing time.
With the appearance, Nelson becomes the fourth North Dakota high school graduate to play in the NBA. He’s the second from Devils Lake, but the first alum from Devils Lake High School. Glenn Hansen hailed from Devils Lake but played his high school ball in Grand Forks.
Nelson is the ninth North Dakota-born player, total, to play in the NBA.
He also became the first North Dakota State Bison to appear in an NBA game.
Nelson scored 1,058 points in his Devils Lake career, capped by winning Mr. Basketball in 2020.
The Nets are off Saturday before playing at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
