NBA: Profiling the Strengths and Weaknesses of Nassir Little

Nassir Little is a 6’6 small forward. He played high school basketball at Orlando Christian Prep, in Orlando Florida. He was named the MVP at the McDonalds All-American Game and he was the Co-MVP at the Jordan Brand Classic Game in 2018. The 18-year-old is now playing basketball in college for the University of North Carolina with the hope he will be a lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Little though, is in an odd situation. He is considered a 5-star prospect and is touted as a potential NBA lottery pick in June 2019. However, Little does not start for the UNC Tar Heels. It makes it difficult for him to standout or dominates college games that could affect his draft status in June. It is not uncommon for UNC head coach Roy Williams to favor his junior and senior players in filling out his starting line up.

In the past, Roy Williams has kept highly ranked prospects like Marvin Williams on his bench. Williams did contribute significantly in the Tar Heels 2005 National Championship without starting. He was then drafted, in 2005, by the Atlanta Hawks 2nd overall. Danny Green, now playing for the Toronto Raptors, did not start for Roy Williams until his junior year. According to Davis Wallace:

“Fans know that Coach Williams loves experimenting with his teams early on in the season. This is part of their love/hate relationship with him. Coach Williams will “wacky” lineups in games right before conference play. Sometimes he’ll use 12 players, other times only seven. It’s still a feeling out period as this team forms their identity”.

Little’s role could change but for now, he is the Tar Heels 6th man. Great players usually find ways to contribute and standout regardless of their role. Ultimately it’s a good sign he does play. We now look at the strengths and weaknesses of small forward Nassir Little.

Strengths

"Coby and Nassir are both really, really good basketball players," …They haven't seen the defense out of Coby and Nassir that they will see.”

https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/Bolt/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-Basketball-Roy-Williams-Remains-Impressed-with-UNC-Signees-Coby-White-and-Nassir-Little-117270557/

The above quote is the assessment of UNC head coach Roy Williams concerning point guard Coby White and Nassir Little. Little has good ball handling skills. When his ball handling is combined with his explosive first step, Little is dangerous in the offensive zone.

He also has the ability to finish above the rim so he is very athletic. While he is only 25% from three-point range, he can catch and shoot from behind the arc so he could help an NBA team with spacing on the floor. He does connect at 52.3% from the field overall so he takes and makes good shots.

At 6’6 and 220 pounds, Little has good size and strength for the NBA and often is able to finish through contact. Little has the length NBA general managers want sporting a 7’1 wingspan and an 8’9 standing reach.

Little has also shown an ability to track and get to weak side rebounds in the offensive zone averaging 2.1 offensive boards in 10 games. He is able to use his size to score inside and does take advantage of mismatches to post up smaller defenders. Little can score inside and out with ease.

At the defensive end of the floor, he can defend on the perimeter. Little seems to delight in playing tough defense on the opposition's better players. This will be great for NBA general managers and coaches who usually have to preach defense first to many a young player. He has quick hands defensively and his length has led to 7 steals in his ten games so far.

Weaknesses

The fact that Little is not starting games may suggest he is not good enough. In fact, he has scored 20 or more points once in a game against Elon when he recorded 21 points. He also scored 19 points against St. Francis. Another concern that could scare NBA general managers, in June, and cause Little’s draft stock to plummet is minutes played.

He is averaging 19.9 per game and has only played 20 or more minutes in 7 of his 10 games. It raises questions of fitness, stamina and potentially quality of play. It would be helpful to Little if head coach Roy Williams expands his role and plays Little more minutes as the season progresses.

A concern with Nassir Little’s offensive game is that, while he gets to the rim with speed and athleticism, if defenders are contesting, Little will sometimes force a shot, often getting blocked. He will want to keep his dribble alive longer on drives to the basket to avoid running out of options when he’s in traffic. He is not really aggressive in seeking his own offense tending to hang out on the perimeter.

Little also needs to cut down on turnovers. While he averages 2.4 turnovers per game, he only plays 20 minutes a game. His assists per game are 1.2. Little will need to improve his passing and get more involved in the offense.

Its always hard to predict where any highly touted prospect will get selected in the NBA Draft. There are so many factors. An injury, a poor March Madness Tournament, a dispute with a coach, suspensions and lack of playing time can all see a player’s value drop at the NBA Draft.

Right now the concern for Nassir Little is playing time. He has not really distinguished himself yet and that might be because of how much he's on the floor. However, The NBA Draft is still 6 months away and March Madness is three months away. Little has time to make a more lasting impression in the minds of scouts and NBA general managers. UNC head coach Roy Williams has final say in unleashing Nassir Little.