Grant Nelson is an incredible prospect. With fluidity and athleticism, the big man can help teams contend for a championship. The big man is being sought after by the likes of Alabama and Arkansas. Coming off a 17.9 point per game season at NDSU, Nelson looks to improve his draft stock. So, what makes him such an intriguing prospect?
Grant Nelson’s Appeal
His skillset
Grant is the definition of a modern big man. He can handle the ball in the open court, and take other big men off the dribble.
He is also a very good rebounder at 9.3 per game. With a good nose for the ball and fluid skills, he is a major prospect for a team to acquire in the portal. Rebounding is an essential skill set for big men, and he recorded a game this season with 22 rebounds. Therefore, in big moments, Grant finds other ways to affect the game because of his skill set.
He is also an incredible straight-line driver because he is too quick for slow-footed big men and too big for smaller guards, allowing him to shoot over 50% from the floor this season.
Physical Tools
Grant Nelson has impressive physical tools. At 6’11” and 235 pounds, he has the frame of modern NBA Centers and can play on the perimeter. His tools allow him to affect the game on the offensive end, but he also is a good rim protector. Grant averaged 1.7 block shots this past season. His length and size allow for good shot-blocking production and an ability to affect the game defensively.
Potential
Nelson is an intriguing prospect because of the potential he has. Nelson blew up this past season and still has a ways to go in perimeter defense and becoming a more consistent three-point shooter. However, Nelson had an incredible Junior Season. Grant’s size, fluidity, skill set, and shot-blocking presence all scream NBA-lottery potential. In a league where versatile bigs find success, Nelson has the same potential.
Grant’s Shooting
Grant has a lot of impressive skills and athletic tools, but he struggles from the three-point line. Only shooting 26.9% from three, Grant allows other bigs to play a step off him. His lack of shooting limits his ability to drive at the next level, resorting him to a center position. Wherever his new home is, Nelson needs to shoot the three better to open up the rest of his game.
Ball Control
While people marvel at Nelson’s potential as a playmaker, he has a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. He does not have great ball control as a big. Therefore, he needs to limit his turnovers next season. Limiting his turnovers will allow for other parts of his games to develop and make the game easier. Teams will be more hesitant to double if he limits turnovers in crowded situations.
Too Right-Hand Dominated
Don’t get it wrong, Nelson finishes and drives left, but he goes right far more. Especially in the post, he likes a fadeaway over his right shoulder or a right-hand hook over his left shoulder.
While difficult to guard in the post, Nelson should consider adding more moves with his left to make himself an even tougher match-up.
Last Words
Nelson is sought after because he is good and has incredible potential, but he must improve his defensive versatility and three-point shooting to make it in the NBA. However, with the unexpected success Grant had this past season, he has all the tools to make it happen. It will be interesting to see where he lands for next season.
