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UNC Basketball: Portland Trail Blazers exercise option on Nassir Little

By Blake Cockrum

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) /
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Portland Trail Blazers exercise 2021-22 team option on former UNC basketball standout Nassir Little

The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised their 2021-22 team option on the rookie contract of second-year small forward and former UNC basketball standout Nassir Little. Along with Little, the Trail Blazers opted to exercise their team option on their 2018 first round draft pick, Anfernee Simons, president of basketball operations Neil Olshey announced on Sunday.

Little, a member of the Tar Heels during the 2018-19 season, averaged 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 48 appearances during his rookie season with Portland. He only got five starts and played just 11.9 minutes per game last season, and his numbers weren’t eye-popping, but the Trail Blazers do consider him a work-in-progress and look forward to his progression in the coming seasons.

The organization’s hope is that Little can improve on his 43 percent field goal percentage, and 23.7 percent mark from beyond the three-point line. The same could be said of his free throw shooting — he converted just 28-of-44 (63.6 percent) from the foul line — and his ability as a passer and distributor. Despite his lack of assists in year one, though, Little did average fewer turnovers than assists, and committed just 72 personal fouls in 573 minutes of play.

So while Little does have some things to work on moving forward, there are some positives to his game and his performance as a rookie. It’s those things that he will look to build upon over the next couple of seasons in Portland, while improving on an offensive game that is much better than what we’ve seen to this point.

Tar Heels extend offer to 4-star point guard. dark. Next

Check back with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on Nassir Little, and the UNC basketball program.

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