Tyler Nelson plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the NBA Summer League this weekend. (Courtesy photograph)
Bradford native Tyler Nelson is hooping it up in Las Vegas this weekend in a five-game stint as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves during NBA summer league play.
The Central Catholic and Fairfield University grad has spent the last two months practicing in Sacramento, Calif., ahead of pool play starting Friday against Denver. A 6-foot-3 guard, Nelson will wear jersey No. 6 as he takes the court alongside Timberwolves rookies and other prospects under the direction of Timberwolves assistant coaches.
“I’m just excited for the opportunity. They called my agent and they’re really excited to have me in and really wanted me to play for the summer league,” Nelson told WHAV. “I thought it would be the best opportunity so we jumped on it right away.”
This weekend’s games cap off a busy few months for Nelson. Graduating from Division 1 Fairfield in May, the athlete practiced with teams including the Boston Celtics, L.A. Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers before heading out West.
After his time in Vegas, Nelson plans to return to Bradford and consider his next move.
“I’ll probably head back home for a little bit until I figure out what the next step is: Whether that’s signing with an NBA team or going over to Europe to play over there – those are my two options,” he tells WHAV.
Friday’s 11 p.m. (EST) game will be aired locally on ESPN 3, with other matchups available on TV and streaming platforms.