Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 options for pick No. 11 in 2019 NBA Draft
3. Nassir Little
Nassir Little averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in just 18.2 minutes at the University of North Carolina. The 6’6′ 220 lb power forward struggled with consistency in his freshmen year but cited a lack of clarity about his role by the coaching staff as the main reason why.
Regardless of why he struggled to score on a consistent basis, Little still made an impact as the Tar Heels sixth man. In the first two games of the NCAA Tournament, he averaged 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game.
To truly reach his potential, Little has to improve as a shooter. He shot 26.9 percent from 3-point range on 1.4 attempts per will game. His field goal percentage was sub-50 even though a majority of his shots are coming from around the rim, so he needs to attack the basket with more control.
Nassir Little's first team workout will be with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a source told @InsideCarolina. Minnesota has the No. 11 pick in next month's NBA Draft.
— Sherrell D. McMillan (@RellDMC) May 18, 2019
Lastly, Little has shown he can make difficult passes but still didn’t average many assists with 0.7 a night. He needs to remain assertive on the offensive end and be willing to make plays for others, especially when he draws attention when driving to the basket.
Still, Little has all the physical gifts to become a great all-around forward in the NBA. He is a skilled defender and active rebounder and is physical enough to play power forward. With Taj Gibson set to become a free agent, Little could come in and compete for minutes at four with Dario Saric. The T-Wolves should be looking for a frontcourt mate for Karl Anthony Towns that can both defend and move in the age of small-ball.
Little can do all of those things and should continue to improve his jump-shot. Minnesota could make his role on the team clear right away and allow for him to remain aggressive and consistent as well.