New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft prospects to watch in ACC Tournament

3. Nassir Little, UNC

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Slash Line: .469/.273/.774
Season Averages: 9.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.4 3PM

The numbers don’t represent anything special for Nassir Little, who entered the college basketball season as a highly touted prospect. He still is and may become a top-five pick in June, but the shine wore off slightly, as head coach Roy Williams has not started the freshman forward, albeit on a talented team.

However, Little’s work, in spurts, has trended beyond the limited playing time, especially when he drops 18 points in 23 minutes against Florida State or 23 points in 20 minutes against Virginia Tech. The talent is evident, with an NBA body, a seven-foot wingspan and ability to score within the arc.

Concern arrives behind the arc, as Little only shoots 27.3 percent. He’ll need to improve that upon arrival to the NBA, but defensive prowess overrules it all, with that aforementioned wingspan and the potential to accumulate one-plus steals and one-plus blocks per game.

Even through the NCAA Tournament, attention should be on Little’s outside shot. If he shows skill in a higher pressure environment, it will improve his draft stock and return to the vicinity of the Duke talents that will land high in the first round.

The New York Knicks have a need for anything defensive-related, and Little may land within the top 10. He’s a project though. Will the organization willingly let this UNC youngster play through developmental?