Keeping It Heel
Fansided

2019 NBA Draft: Nassir Little looks to bring versatility to the Trail Blazers

By Alec Lasley

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Nassir Little poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the 25th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Nassir Little poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the 25th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 14: Nassir Little #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends a shot from Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 14: Nassir Little #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels defends a shot from Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals during their game in the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Defensive Fit

There is no question that Little’s frame makes him an ideal candidate for a defensive stopper.

With a 7-foot-1 wingspan and at 224 pounds, Little’s measurements, combined with his 6-foot-6 frame give him great versatility to guard multiple positions.

One part of his game that wasn’t able to be hidden last season, with Carolina’s lack of a shot blocker, is his ability to stay in front of some opponents. Though he does have decent side-to-side agility, he let too many players have nearly straight line drives to the basket.

With the Trail Blazers, however, they have multiple shot blockers with Enes Kanter, Jusuf Nurkic, Meyers Leonard, and Zach Collins that can hide Little’s struggles.

Despite not always making the right read, his toughness and length will make up for it around the paint.

Though the NBA is a switch-heavy league on ball screens, Little will most likely be matched up against more frontcourt players than guards allowing him to excel with his athleticism and versatility.

Little’s defensive ability and potential will buy him time as he works to get adjusted on his offensive game.

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