Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Grant Nelson
Position: Forward/Center
College: Alabama
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'11", 230 lbs
Birthdate: March 18, 2002
Previous College: North Dakota State
High School: Devils Lake (ND)
Player Overview
Grant Nelson is a versatile, athletic forward with positional size and mobility, making him a unique offensive weapon. His ability to handle the ball, pass, and finish in transition stands out for a player his size. While he is comfortable operating as a play-finisher and open-court scorer, Nelson’s shooting inconsistency and lack of physicality raise questions about his long-term upside at the next level.
Defensively, his length and reactivity allow him to be effective as a rim protector and switchable defender. Still, he must improve his foot speed and strength to hold his own against NBA-level competition. If he can develop into a consistent shooter and refine his defensive technique, Nelson has the tools to become a valuable two-way contributor in the NBA.
"Nelson’s versatility at his size is intriguing. If he can get stronger and tighten up his outside shot, it will improve his chances of sticking. Regardless, he’s a talented player." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Fluid Athlete: He moves well for his size, making him a transition threat.
Handles & Passes Well for a Big: Comfortable handling the ball and making plays.
Strong Hands: Catches tough passes and finishes effectively.
Switchable Defender Potential: Has the length and agility to guard multiple positions.
Open-Court Scoring: He runs the floor well and is a capable finisher in transition.
Concerns
Inconsistent Shooter: Needs to develop a more reliable three-point shot.
Lack of Physicality: Must add strength to handle NBA-level post and interior battles.
Limited Shot Creation: He rarely creates his own offense and depends on setup plays.
Defensive Foot Speed: Needs to improve lateral quickness to defend quicker players.
Questions
Can he develop into a consistent shooting threat from deep?
Will he add enough strength to compete physically in the NBA?
How far is he from becoming a reliable, switchable defender at the next level?
Bottom Line
Grant Nelson is an athletic, mobile forward with intriguing two-way potential due to his size, finishing ability, and ball-handling. His effectiveness as a play-finisher, transition scorer, and rim protector gives him a foundation to become an NBA player. Still, his shooting consistency and ability to hold up defensively will be major swing factors for his long-term projection. If he can improve his strength and perimeter game, Nelson could carve out a role as a versatile big in the modern NBA.