Nassir Little

[PLO]

The Knox comparison is a strange one anyway, they'll play different roles in the NBA. Knox is a good few inches taller and will be a lot less reliant on his handle to get his shot off. He also rose on team boards apparently as the result of his workouts, because he certainly had holes in his game on the basis of his college tape. Maybe the same thing will happen with Little.

[Kolkmania]

Just to build on Jayson Tatum vs. Nassir Little a little bit:

Over their first 9 games, Tatum shot 44/31/84, while Little is shooting 62/26/80.

Their PER40 numbers:

Tatum: 20/9/2
Little: 24/10/1

Advanced metrics:

Tatum: 7.5 BPM, .169 WS/48, 22 PER, 56.6 TS%
Little: 6.8 BPM, .223 WS/48, 24 PER, 59.7 TS%

Again, not picking up what you're putting down broheem. The only discernable difference between them so far is minutes played. Little should be getting 30 mins but Roy Williams has his own head too far up his own behind.

A bit silly to compare Tatum's full season stats. Most of Little's contribution to his advanced stats come from the offensive end and in the games against Texas, Michigan and UCLA he averaged .34 FG%, .143 3PT% and 0 assists.

Not saying that Little is a bad prospect, I liked him in the few high school games/highlights + All Star exhibitions I've seen, but it's simply untrue to say that the only difference between them is minutes played.

[skiz2]

Just to build on Jayson Tatum vs. Nassir Little a little bit:

Over their first 9 games, Tatum shot 44/31/84, while Little is shooting 62/26/80.

Their PER40 numbers:

Tatum: 20/9/2
Little: 24/10/1

Advanced metrics:

Tatum: 7.5 BPM, .169 WS/48, 22 PER, 56.6 TS%
Little: 6.8 BPM, .223 WS/48, 24 PER, 59.7 TS%

Again, not picking up what you're putting down broheem. The only discernable difference between them so far is minutes played. Little should be getting 30 mins but Roy Williams has his own head too far up his own behind.

A bit silly to compare Tatum's full season stats. Most of Little's contribution to his advanced stats come from the offensive end and in the games against Texas, Michigan and UCLA he averaged .34 FG%, .143 3PT% and 0 assists.

Not saying that Little is a bad prospect, I liked him in the few high school games/highlights + All Star exhibitions I've seen, but it's simply untrue to say that the only difference between them is minutes played.

I was under the impression that this post was reffering to his numbers from tatum’s first nine games of the season? Regardless, it did take a little bit for Tatum to warm up too. I remember being super high on him in HS then thinking that Ingram was much better than Tatum for the first half of Duke’s season. It really wasn’t until the second half of the first UNC vs Duke game (to my chagrin) when it seemed like it finally clicked for Tatum.

For the record, I think Little and Tatum are totally different players and would take Tatum long term. His footwork and ability to operate in the mid range are unreal.

[skiz2]

I think the problem is that for Nas to be successful at UNC (emphasis added) he needs to be used like Luke Maye. That is not happening with Maye on the roster. They need to have him mid range curl, get screens for the other big to find mismatches on the block, and pick and pop.

Maye has been wildly inconsistent this year because teams have figured him. Roy needs Nas and Luke to switch roles depending on the matchups.

Couldn't agree more, either that or use Maye more strictly as a stretch big that actually stays outside of the 3pt line for long stretches

Sidenote, you and I are going to love Bacot at UNC. Dude is looking really powerful and explosive (never thought I would say that about him) for IMG right now. He is a big that Roy can use the way he traditionally uses them. Reminds me of JR Reid.

[clyde21]

Guys -- I'm not comparing Little to Knox/Tatum as prospects. I'm using them as a baseline/reference to dispute the notion that Little's production so far doesn't merit a lottery pick, which is absolutely nuts to me.

But, if we are to compare Little to Knox for example, I'd venture to say that Little is comfortably a better prospect, and if Knox 9th in a 'stronger' draft, I don't see the logic behind leaving Little out of the lotto.

[GimmeDat]

Knox is easily a worse prospect than Little for me. Knox is more polished/versatile as a shooter, though I also really like Little in that way long term, I think Little is a way better athlete, has more handle, night and day more aggressive, works at the 3 more, much better rebounder, is a way better on-ball defender, obviously he's had his off-ball issues so far this college season but hopefully they clear up.

[cgf]

Knox is easily a worse prospect than Little for me. Knox is more polished/versatile as a shooter, though I also really like Little in that way long term, I think Little is a way better athlete, has more handle, night and day more aggressive, works at the 3 more, much better rebounder, is a way better on-ball defender, obviously he's had his off-ball issues so far this college season but hopefully they clear up.

Eh, I love me some Nas, but I'd give Knox the nod on their handles...at least their handles right now. Can't remember quite how much weaker Knox's handle was a year ago to compare them at the same age.

[GimmeDat]

Knox is easily a worse prospect than Little for me. Knox is more polished/versatile as a shooter, though I also really like Little in that way long term, I think Little is a way better athlete, has more handle, night and day more aggressive, works at the 3 more, much better rebounder, is a way better on-ball defender, obviously he's had his off-ball issues so far this college season but hopefully they clear up.

Eh, I love me some Nas, but I'd give Knox the nod on their handles...at least their handles right now. Can't remember quite how much weaker Knox's handle was a year ago to compare them at the same age.

Maybe, I don't think they're too far off each other. But I always felt Knox's handle was a little bit overrated.

[Kolkmania]

Just to build on Jayson Tatum vs. Nassir Little a little bit:

Over their first 9 games, Tatum shot 44/31/84, while Little is shooting 62/26/80.

Their PER40 numbers:

Tatum: 20/9/2
Little: 24/10/1

Advanced metrics:

Tatum: 7.5 BPM, .169 WS/48, 22 PER, 56.6 TS%
Little: 6.8 BPM, .223 WS/48, 24 PER, 59.7 TS%

Again, not picking up what you're putting down broheem. The only discernable difference between them so far is minutes played. Little should be getting 30 mins but Roy Williams has his own head too far up his own behind.

A bit silly to compare Tatum's full season stats. Most of Little's contribution to his advanced stats come from the offensive end and in the games against Texas, Michigan and UCLA he averaged .34 FG%, .143 3PT% and 0 assists.

Not saying that Little is a bad prospect, I liked him in the few high school games/highlights + All Star exhibitions I've seen, but it's simply untrue to say that the only difference between them is minutes played.

I was under the impression that this post was reffering to his numbers from tatum’s first nine games of the season? Regardless, it did take a little bit for Tatum to warm up too. I remember being super high on him in HS then thinking that Ingram was much better than Tatum for the first half of Duke’s season. It really wasn’t until the second half of the first UNC vs Duke game (to my chagrin) when it seemed like it finally clicked for Tatum.

For the record, I think Little and Tatum are totally different players and would take Tatum long term. His footwork and ability to operate in the mid range are unreal.

Ah my bad if it is. Nevertheless, it's simply wrong to say that their minutes played is the only discernable difference. I recall Tatum being a positive surprise on the defensive end for example. Absolutely agree on the massive difference between Little and Tatum, the former is far more of a project based on his physical abilities, Tatum was one of the most skilled freshman forwards in recent history.

But I see that Clyde meant it as a comparison between the two prospects, I agree that Little is intriguing and would prefer him above Knox at this stage of the season.

[No-Man]

I think the problem is that for Nas to be successful at UNC (emphasis added) he needs to be used like Luke Maye. That is not happening with Maye on the roster. They need to have him mid range curl, get screens for the other big to find mismatches on the block, and pick and pop.

Maye has been wildly inconsistent this year because teams have figured him. Roy needs Nas and Luke to switch roles depending on the matchups.

Couldn't agree more, either that or use Maye more strictly as a stretch big that actually stays outside of the 3pt line for long stretches

Sidenote, you and I are going to love Bacot at UNC. Dude is looking really powerful and explosive (never thought I would say that about him) for IMG right now. He is a big that Roy can use the way he traditionally uses them. Reminds me of JR Reid.

Yeah the problem is that they are gonna play him as a 4, I like his profile for a college big a ton but as a Center and knowing Roy he probably favors seniority and starts Brooks-Manley, I really like Sterling as a break out guy btw

Carolina needs Guards though, I guess they are banking on Cole and maybe White staying but I think Coby is a surefire 1st round guy and he should leave if so

[skiz2]

Couldn't agree more, either that or use Maye more strictly as a stretch big that actually stays outside of the 3pt line for long stretches

Sidenote, you and I are going to love Bacot at UNC. Dude is looking really powerful and explosive (never thought I would say that about him) for IMG right now. He is a big that Roy can use the way he traditionally uses them. Reminds me of JR Reid.

Yeah the problem is that they are gonna play him as a 4, I like his profile for a college big a ton but as a Center and knowing Roy he probably favors seniority and starts Brooks-Manley, I really like Sterling as a break out guy btw

Carolina needs Guards though, I guess they are banking on Cole and maybe White staying but I think Coby is a surefire 1st round guy and he should leave if so

I really loved Sterling’s potential he showed last year. He hasn’t seemed to get nasty this year until the UNCW game. Hope he can build on it.

Word is that White came to Chapel Hill with the goal of being a 2AD. That may be up in limbo now. Cole is a must get to become a championship contender or to stay afloat. Lord help us if we have to have a Woods/Robinson backcourt next season.

[skiz2]

A bit silly to compare Tatum's full season stats. Most of Little's contribution to his advanced stats come from the offensive end and in the games against Texas, Michigan and UCLA he averaged .34 FG%, .143 3PT% and 0 assists.

Not saying that Little is a bad prospect, I liked him in the few high school games/highlights + All Star exhibitions I've seen, but it's simply untrue to say that the only difference between them is minutes played.

I was under the impression that this post was reffering to his numbers from tatum’s first nine games of the season? Regardless, it did take a little bit for Tatum to warm up too. I remember being super high on him in HS then thinking that Ingram was much better than Tatum for the first half of Duke’s season. It really wasn’t until the second half of the first UNC vs Duke game (to my chagrin) when it seemed like it finally clicked for Tatum.

For the record, I think Little and Tatum are totally different players and would take Tatum long term. His footwork and ability to operate in the mid range are unreal.

Ah my bad if it is. Nevertheless, it's simply wrong to say that their minutes played is the only discernable difference. I recall Tatum being a positive surprise on the defensive end for example. Absolutely agree on the massive difference between Little and Tatum, the former is far more of a project based on his physical abilities, Tatum was one of the most skilled freshman forwards in recent history.

But I see that Clyde meant it as a comparison between the two prospects, I agree that Little is intriguing and would prefer him above Knox at this stage of the season.

Totally agree, and that is not a slight at Nassir. Tatum is in elite category when it comes to footwork and the midrange. Not many people are in his ball park.

I think most people being honest with themselves would take Nas over Knox without thinking twice with what we know about both at the moment.

[No-Man]

Sidenote, you and I are going to love Bacot at UNC. Dude is looking really powerful and explosive (never thought I would say that about him) for IMG right now. He is a big that Roy can use the way he traditionally uses them. Reminds me of JR Reid.

Yeah the problem is that they are gonna play him as a 4, I like his profile for a college big a ton but as a Center and knowing Roy he probably favors seniority and starts Brooks-Manley, I really like Sterling as a break out guy btw

Carolina needs Guards though, I guess they are banking on Cole and maybe White staying but I think Coby is a surefire 1st round guy and he should leave if so

I really loved Sterling’s potential he showed last year. He hasn’t seemed to get nasty this year until the UNCW game. Hope he can build on it.

Word is that White came to Chapel Hill with the goal of being a 2AD. That may be up in limbo now. Cole is a must get to become a championship contender or to stay afloat. Lord help us if we have to have a Woods/Robinson backcourt next season.

I am expecting

Woods-Francis
Anthony-Platek
Black-Robinson
Brooks-Bacot
Manley-Huffman

Hope is they can get some grad-transfer or JuCo that can shoot, or that Coby stays

[CptCrunch]

Nassir Little is absolutely a horrendous prospect.

No idea how he is even being considered for top 10.

[Duke4life831]

Anther quiet night for Little against a good team. When he's out there, you kind of forget he's out on the court.

[Funcrusher]

Anther quiet night for Little against a good team. When he's out there, you kind of forget he's out on the court.

His lack of instinctive feel on both ends is becoming concerning. I guess defensively those things can be taught to a degree, but offensively it doesn't seem like he's progressed at all as far as IQ. He often fails to make simple reads, and has zero passing instincts or vision at this stage, literally none. He hasn't been totally terrible, but with this level of play he's not going to remain a top 5, or even top 10 pick for very long.

[skiz2]

Anther quiet night for Little against a good team. When he's out there, you kind of forget he's out on the court.

His lack of instinctive feel on both ends is becoming concerning. I guess defensively those things can be taught to a degree, but offensively it doesn't seem like he's progressed at all as far as IQ. He often fails to make simple reads, and has zero passing instincts or vision at this stage, literally none. He hasn't been totally terrible, but with this level of play he's not going to remain a top 5, or even top 10 pick for very long.

Was at the game tonight. A few thoughts:

Nassir moves extremely well in person. He actually is very smooth and will be the most athletic person almost every time he steps on the court. I am not convinced that it is Roy ruining him anymore. It is the fact that like you are alluding to he catches the ball and takes time to think about what he is going to do. By the time he thinks the defender is already acting instinctively and imposing their will. Nas only had one play when he did not think that was one he had an offensive rebound and a strong move for a putback that could have been an and 1.

He did play much better defense tonight. Whoever motivates Coby needs to lock themselves in a room with Nas for hours. Coby White does not care about scouts and plays with no conscience whatsoever, just pure instinct. Would do Nas a lot to have that rub off onto him.

Little had the second highest +\- at +16 tonight behind Seventh Woods. Did some things that did not
show up in the box score.

[Patsfan1081]

Nassir Little is absolutely a horrendous prospect.

No idea how he is even being considered for top 10.

This is just silly, anyone who watched the kid in the summer knows the talent is there, he may not be worth a top ten pick but he def isn't a horrendous prospect. He just looks lost in Williams offense, no aggressiveness at all and isn't moving well without the ball. I know UNC likes to move the ball a ton until they find the open man and he just doesn't create enough space. I wouldn't be surprised though to see him put up a greatnshowing at the combine and remain a lottery pick.

[clyde21]

Still a huge believe in Nas. He just needs to go out there and play ball.

[CptCrunch]

Nassir Little is absolutely a horrendous prospect.

No idea how he is even being considered for top 10.

This is just silly, anyone who watched the kid in the summer knows the talent is there, he may not be worth a top ten pick but he def isn't a horrendous prospect. He just looks lost in Williams offense, no aggressiveness at all and isn't moving well without the ball. I know UNC likes to move the ball a ton until they find the open man and he just doesn't create enough space. I wouldn't be surprised though to see him put up a greatnshowing at the combine and remain a lottery pick.

He has bad to no feels for the game. His ranking is only based on his residual high school rank. We draft these pure athletes, with built bodies, a little bit of skill seemly every single year. The track record for this kind of mold in recent years have been exceedingly bad. They all suck, or at least have almost 0 potential for superstardom.

Cohort of crappy underachieving players: Stanley Johnson, Justise Winslow, Jaylen Brown, Josh Jackson, Michael Kidd Gilchrist (in before Boston fans blast me for labeling Brown a scrub)