Nets Two-Way F Nelson Sets Career High in G League Win

Brooklyn Nets two-way forward Grant Nelson had a career night for their G League affiliate, Long Island, in its 142-106 win over the College Park Skyhawks on Tuesday.

Nelson scored 18 points on 8-for-14 shooting and grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds. He and Dain Dainja combined for 30 of the Nets' 59 rebounds compared to the Skyhawks' 37.

The 6-foot-11 forward dominated in the short roll with Ben Saraf. College Park committed two defenders to a driving Saraf, leaving Nelson wide open for rim-rocking finishes.

His mindset to finish with authority should be a fresh sight for Brooklyn. Day'Ron Sharpe and Moritz Wagner have a softer touch around the rim to compensate for their lack of lift when there's no open runway.

It potentially gives the Nets a lob threat. They've missed one since trading Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls as part of the four-team Julius Randle trade.

His chemistry with Saraf down in the G League suggests he could have the same success with rookie Mikel Brown Jr. and Nolan Traoré. The young point guards play with pace, coming off the screen and probing for created advantages for themselves or teammates.

Brooklyn would have to call him up from the G League, which is unlikely with Sharpe and Wagner healthy. If an injury forces either of them to miss time, or one rests on a back-to-back, Nelson could find his opportunity with the parent team.

Nelson impressed in the preseason during his brief stints. He averaged 6.8 points in eight minutes per game, including a preseason best of nine points and four rebounds against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 12.

The 24-year-old also showed rim protection on Tuesday with two blocks. He displayed discipline with his verticality and timing his jump to block shots.

Brooklyn lacks a true rim protector. Sharpe and Wagner don't fit that mold, and Wagner admitted he prefers to guard the perimeter.

Nelson fits that role with three blocks in two games. He's dominating the G League scene and building a case for the Nets to call him up at some point this season.

The two-way forward scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Long Island's season-opening loss to the Greensboro Swarm last Wednesday.

Brooklyn's youth is impressing in their G League assignments. Saraf recorded a 21-point, 12-assist double-double last Saturday, and rookie Joshua Jefferson opened the season with 15 points.