Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2019 NBA Draft
By Alec Liebsch
![SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/211604d8799bb4d8dd14859ec1a830a5da263707ebc05a494005777ffb34640e.jpg)
3. Nassir Little
If we’ve learned anything about general manager John Hammond, it’s that he loves drafting for size and length, sometimes to a fault. In Nassir Little, that’s exactly what the Magic would get.
“To a fault” is an allusion to the lack of shooting on the current roster. Little would not come close to addressing that need, but he would open up some fun lineup combinations for Clifford to play around with.
Little’s NBA projections come from his body. At 6’6″ and 224 pounds with a 7’1″ wingspan, he has the ideal body for a position-less NBA. What holds him back, for now, is his I.Q. and shooting, both of which need massive work.
Little had a tendency to muck up UNC’s offense, taking ill-advised shots that looked bad and rarely went in. He wasn’t a willing passer either (0.6 assists per game), which was perplexing due to the team’s collection of good talent. His jump shot needs serious work too, as evidenced by his 26.9 percent clip on 3s.
Baggage aside, however, the potential is tantalizing. An engaged Nassir Little could be a mismatch nightmare if he’s not the focal point of the offense. Additionally, his build makes him a good fit in a crunch-time lineup that will switch everything.
Those traits come alive on the biggest stage, and if Little can develop, he’ll be a participant there.