Charlotte Hornets: 5 options for pick No. 12 in 2019 NBA Draft

3. Nassir Little

Maybe it’s the home state connection, but one name that keeps getting tied to the Charlotte Hornets is North Carolina forward Nassir Little.

However, Little has been a pegged in various spots in mock drafts and big boards. Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer has Little at No. 23 on his big board, while Kevin O’Connor and Danny Chau have him in their top 15. ESPN has him just outside their top 15. In mocks, he’s being shown as high as No. 9 all the way to No. 15. Bleacher Report and Sporting News both have Little going to the Hornets.

There is still a lot unknown about Nassir Little, as he only played one year for the Tar Heels. Interestingly enough, NBADraft.net compares Little to former Bobcat/Hornet Gerald Wallace.

"“Two-way, athletic forward … Explosive finisher with a quick first step … Excellent size/length with a 7’1 wingspan and a 8’9 standing reach … High-energy finisher … Active perimeter defender and plays the passing lanes… Solid frame. Not afraid to absorb contact and get to the free throw line … Finishes well and powers through contact extremely well.”"

With that being said, he never really seemed to find his role offensively at UNC. Defensively, he’s probably one of the best wing defenders in the draft. Kupchak could use a defensive stopper on the perimeter, but the lack of offensive power could hurt his chances of staying in-state with the Hornets.