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Grant Nelson sets an NBA Draft Combine record, wows scouts in attendance

Alabama forward Grant Nelson is fighting to get drafted. On Tuesday at the NBA Draft Combine, Nelson set an eye-opening record.
ByJohn Mitchell|
Jan 29, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) dunks the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (4) dunks the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Heading into the NBA Draft Combine, Alabama forward Grant Nelson is widely expected to go undrafted in June's NBA Draft. The 6-foot-11 forward has some intriguing skills, but his jump shot never developed enough for him to be seen as a potential first-round pick.

His slight frame makes it difficult for him to match up as a five at the next level. He struggled to defend against SEC centers, something that will only get more challenging for him at the next level. It is what makes him project as a four in the NBA, and there aren't many fours in the league who aren't able to shoot.

Nelson's jumpshot mechanics need a lot of work. He shot 32.2% as a sophomore at North Dakota State, but 27% or lower in his final three collegiate seasons, including a career-low 25.8% last season for the Crimson Tide.

But Nelson has some intriguing traits. He is a plus-athlete and plays hard every night. His energy and effort were always a positive at Alabama, especially this past season. It's that energy, effort, and athletic ability that could ultimately earn him an NBA shot as a bench big.

Nelson needs a good showing this week in Chicago at the Combine. On Wednesday, Nelson wowed scouts in attendance with a record-breaking performance in the shuttle drill:

That's an elite number, especially for a big man. The shuttle drill measures your reaction time, change-of-direction, and body control, all things that are incredibly important for a modern NBA big man.

Grant Nelson may be working his way into the second-round of the NBA Draft

I haven't seen any mocks that included Nelson in them just yet, but following an impressive showing in the shuttle drill, don't be surprised to see Nelson begin working his way into the second-round conversation.

What's even more important than the drills will be Nelson's performance in the 5-on-5 scrimmages. Nelson is part of Team Williams. They have games scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.

If Nelson plays well in 5-on-5 competition, the noise of him getting drafted will begin growing louder.

Alabama already has one projected pick in Labaron Philon, who will likely find himself in the first round. Adding a second pick in Nelson would be another feather in the cap for Nate Oats and his program.

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