Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: 5 Players to Watch at the NBA Draft Combine

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 30: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center on January 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 30: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center on January 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Nassir Little, North Carolina Tar Heels, Virginia Tech Hokies
CHAPEL HILL, NC – JANUARY 21: North Carolina Tar Heels forward Nassir Little (5) plays defense during the North Carolina Tar Heels game versus the Virginia Tech Hokies on January 21, 2019, at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. (Photo by Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Nassir Little, North Carolina

For most of the season, Nassir Little was considered a runaway Lottery pick. At the start of the year, there was definitely some noise and thought he could be a top-five pick.

The Orlando Christian Prep alum has all the size and athleticism a team could want from a big guard at 6-foot-6. He can drive to the basket and use his size and power to get by opponents. He is a shooting guard that can play small forward.

That versatility is valuable and tantalizing.

But his play with the North Carolina Tar Heels was inconsistent at best. There is the possibility he could drop to the Orlando Magic at No. 16 or lower. He never really had all of that talent come through in his lone year in college.

Little averaged 9.8 points per game, shooting 47.8 percent from the floor. He shot 26.9 percent from three.

Shooting is not his expertise. Although he can hit an open shot when left open. Little will have to increase his range at some point. He shot 77.0 percent from the foul line so he should show some improvement as a shooter.

But in a league that requires shooting from the wing positions, this is a pretty big impediment. Especially if Little is going to play off the ball.

Little is a fairly smart player with how he chooses to attack. He has good instincts on his drives. And he has the potential to be a good defender, although that did not always show up in his time in college.

The talent is all there. It is about putting all the skill pieces together and making it something consistent. That is always the difficult part with young players. Finding a role that he will fit into, especially while he is young and developing.

His potential is extremely tantalizing though. As is his story if he were to remain at home.