Former Alabama Forward Makes NBA Debut

Grant Nelson scores first points for Brooklyn Nets in loss to Boston Celtics

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Grant Nelson, a former forward for the University of Alabama, made his NBA debut on Friday night for the Brooklyn Nets. Nelson scored his first NBA points on a dunk and a free throw in the Nets' 148-111 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Why it matters

Nelson's NBA debut is a significant milestone for the young player, who signed with the Nets as an undrafted rookie this offseason after two seasons with Alabama. His performance showcases the talent pipeline from the college ranks to the professional level.

The details

Nelson played 9 minutes and 50 seconds in the game, scoring 3 points on 1-of-1 shooting from the field and 1-of-2 from the free throw line. He also recorded 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 2 blocked shots. Prior to his NBA debut, Nelson had been playing for the Nets' G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, where he averaged 11.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this season.

  • Nelson signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Nelson made his NBA debut in the Nets' game against the Boston Celtics on Friday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Grant Nelson

A former forward for the University of Alabama who signed with the Brooklyn Nets as an undrafted rookie this offseason.

Ochai Agbaji

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who assisted on Nelson's first NBA basket.

Brooklyn Nets

The NBA team that signed Nelson to a 10-day contract and gave him his NBA debut.

Boston Celtics

The opposing team that the Brooklyn Nets played against in Nelson's NBA debut.

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What they’re saying

“It's a dream come true, so 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.”

— Grant Nelson (YES Network)

What’s next

The Brooklyn Nets will play the Cleveland Cavaliers at 2:30 p.m. CST on Sunday, March 2, 2026 at the Barclays Center in New York.

The takeaway

Grant Nelson's NBA debut is a testament to his hard work and perseverance, as he looks to carve out a role in the league after going undrafted. His performance showcases the continued pipeline of talent from the college ranks to the professional level.