Nets' Grant Nelson delivers strong home debut on 10-day deal

Undrafted rookie impresses with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in just his second NBA game

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Grant Nelson, an undrafted rookie playing on a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, had an impressive home debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nelson recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in just his second NBA game, continuing to live out his lifelong dream of playing in the league. The Nets were impressed with Nelson's high basketball IQ and effort, and he joined elite company as the first player in Nets history to total 10+ points, 5+ assists and 5+ blocks in his first two career games.

Why it matters

Nelson's strong performance off the bench provides a bright spot for the Nets, who are dealing with injuries to key players like Nic Claxton. As the Nets evaluate their roster ahead of the trade deadline, Nelson's play could earn him a longer-term contract with the team if he continues to impress. His story also highlights the perseverance of undrafted players who fight to make it in the NBA.

The details

In just his second NBA game, the undrafted rookie Nelson had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks against the Cavaliers. Nelson has now logged 83 minutes over 4 games in 5 days between the Nets and their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. Nets coach Jordi Fernández praised Nelson's high basketball IQ and effort, saying "he's played very well in the two chances." Nelson joined elite company in Nets history, becoming the first player to total 10+ points, 5+ assists and 5+ blocks in his first two career games.

  • Nelson made his NBA debut on February 27, 2026.
  • Nelson played his home debut for the Nets on March 1, 2026.

The players

Grant Nelson

An undrafted rookie playing on a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, who impressed with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks in his home debut.

Jordi Fernández

The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, who praised Nelson's high basketball IQ and effort.

Nic Claxton

A Nets player who missed the March 1 game with a right thumb sprain.

Egor Dëmin

A Nets player who was held out to rest his plantar fascia.

James Harden

The 36-year-old Nets veteran who had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists against his former team, the Cavaliers.

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What they’re saying

“It's really been my dream my whole life. So it's just fun to get out there, play with some of the best players in the world. It's just really a dream. But I know the work's not done. I still got a lot to work on.”

— Grant Nelson

“He's a very good player, high IQ, he's got a great feel for the game, and plays extremely hard. So, you put all those things together, and he's played very well in the two chances.”

— Jordi Fernández, Nets coach

“I know it's coming soon. Hopefully, later than soon, but it's a reality. Everybody has to go through this at some point. Just trying to continue to keep my body in shape and play well. We'll see what happens in the next few years. Take one game at a time and cherish the moments.”

— James Harden

What’s next

The Nets have until Wednesday to decide whether to convert one of their two-way roster spots into a standard NBA contract, which could allow them to sign Nelson to a two-way deal.

The takeaway

Grant Nelson's strong debut off the bench for the Nets showcases the perseverance of undrafted players fighting to make it in the NBA. His high-energy play and impressive stats in limited minutes have earned him praise from the coaching staff and could lead to a longer-term contract opportunity with the team.