Charlotte Hornets 2019 NBA Draft: 5 small forwards to target in first round

3 of 5

North Carolina Tar Heels Nassir Little (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Nassir Little

Prior to the start of the college basketball season, North Carolina freshman Nassir Little was considered by many to be a top-three pick.

Now, he won’t be going in the top-three, but he could still be a lottery pick based on his huge upside. It would not surprise me if he is available when the Hornets are picking.

Little was expected to be the best freshman on North Carolina, but that has easily been Coby White. Little has been productive, but not as good as a lot of us thought. He’s averaging 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 18.3 minutes.

He’s got a strong body for 19 year old, and that will help him at the next level. He’s also got good length that helps him on the defensive end. What he will need to work on the most is his shooting ability.

Little has good mechanics, but is hitting just 27 percent from three-point land this season. If he can get a respectable shot to counter his driving ability, watch out. His ceiling is very high and he would be an exciting pick for the Hornets.

If he lives up to his potential, we are talking about a potential star in Nassir Little.