Photo by Noah Clooten
Grant Nelson is now a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
After not being selected in the 2025 NBA draft, Nelson signed an undrafted free agent contract with Brooklyn on Thursday, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. Scotto noted that he will compete for a two-way spot in training camp.
Nelson is the first Devils Lake High School alum to ever sign a contract with an NBA team. He’s the second Devils Lake-born player, following Glenn Hansen, who was drafted in 1975. Hansen, though, went to high school in Grand Forks.
Nelson is aiming to become just the fourth North Dakota high schooler to play in the NBA, and the eighth North Dakota-born player.
Nelson is one of two Mr. Basketball winners in Devils Lake history, taking home the statewide award in 2020. He went on to play three seasons for North Dakota State and two for Alabama, where he reached two Elite Eights and one Final Four.
During this year’s draft combine, Nelson set a combine record for the shuttle run. He stands at 6-foot-10 with a seven-foot wingspan. He was projected as a borderline second-rounder or undrafted free agent signee heading into the draft.
