Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels playing in the NBA Bubble

By Nick Delahanty

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the court in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the court in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 29: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers works towards the basket in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets during their game at Moda Center on January 29, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 29: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers works towards the basket in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets during their game at Moda Center on January 29, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Nassir Little

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Current Record: 29-37

Playoff Position: Ninth in Western Conference

The Trail Blazers struggled prior to the season halt, mainly due to a handful of injuries to some of the team’s star players. Although the first 66 games didn’t go as planned, this Portland team could definitely challenge for a playoff berth over the last eight regular season contests.

Although the Trail Blazers have a talented roster, they will be without one of their key contributors. Trevor Ariza has opted out of the NBA Bubble, as he has committed to a one-month visitation window with his young son. Losing Ariza hurts, but a former Tar Heel can help fill his void.

Nassir Little has seen limited action over 48 games, averaging just 11.9 minutes per-game. With Ariza’s absence, Little could see an increase in minutes, which could definitely benefit the 2019 first-round pick.

We all know that Little has a lot of talent, but is still a “work in progress.” Portland knew this when they drafted the 20-year-old, and they definitely have the roster and veteran presence to take things slow with their highly-touted prospect. A playoff berth is at stake, so it remains to be seen how the team decides to use Little down the stretch.

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