Ron Slay claims Grant Nelson injury impacts Alabama equal to Cooper Flagg's at Duke

At the top of the East Region, Duke and Alabama are dealing with significant injuries. Cooper Flagg has an ankle issue while Grant Nelson hurt his knee in the SEC Tournament. Both have questions about their status heading into the NCAA Tournament, with Flagg more likely to play in the first-round.

ESPN’s Ron Slay is not too worried about either Duke or Alabama advancing into the second round. But when talking long-term, Slay believes the Crimson Tide are going to need Nelson. He says Nelson’s injury could be just as impactful as Duke not having Flagg.

“To me, in that East Region, he has the same impact on Alabama as Cooper Flagg has on Duke,” Slay said. “Duke can get back with talent and the style they play. Alabama can get by. But when you need that X-factor — not saying he’s up there in potential with the NBA, No. 1 pick, and things like that when you talk about Cooper Flagg. But as far as impact, what he brings to that team… you got to have a Grant Nelson.”

Nelson struggled during parts of the regular season but came on late before his injury. Alabama also would have not made their Final Four run last season without the North Dakota State transfer. In the Sweet 16 game against North Carolina, Nelson put up 24 points before grabbing seven rebounds and blocking two shots against Clemson in the Elite Eight.

There are so many ways Nelson can impact the game in Slay’s eyes. Not having him out there would be a massive blow for Alabama.

“Timely scoring,” Slay began. “Allowing people to play in their position. Being able to defend multiple positions. Keeping him on the floor where he can play 30 to 32 minutes a night. Everyone else can relax and be them. That’s what he brings to Alabama.”

If seeding holds throughout the region, the Prudential Center in Newark will host an Elite Eight between the two programs. We might actually get to see Flagg and Nelson going head-to-head. The two are around the same size and can stretch the floor on the offensive end.

Getting there is going to be the main challenge. Duke and Alabama will have tough matchups before thinking about the Elite Eight, mainly in potential Sweet Sixteen games. Making sure the two star players regain health is as important as anything just a couple of days ahead of action beginning.