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2019 NBA Mock Draft: There’s movement in the top 5

By Brendon Kleen

CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA -JANUARY 05: North Carolina Tar Heels forward Nassir Little (5) is guarded by Pittsburgh Panthers guard Au’Diese Toney (5) during the college basketball game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Pittsburgh Panthers on January 05, 2019 at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA -JANUARY 05: North Carolina Tar Heels forward Nassir Little (5) is guarded by Pittsburgh Panthers guard Au’Diese Toney (5) during the college basketball game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Pittsburgh Panthers on January 05, 2019 at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 79. . F. North Carolina. Nassir Little. 7

The story on Little early this year was that between his role as sixth man at North Carolina, combined with his discomfort in a new, chiseled body led to a disappointing start to the year. That’s why he’s falling a little on draft boards. However, over the past three games, Little has exploded, averaging 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 63 percent shooting from the field. The Tar Heels have won every game, including on Monday a huge bounce-back victory over Virginia Tech.

Little looked like a brand new player on Monday night at home, playing confidently and turning defense into offense. Some believe he has slimmed down from his early-season weight but regardless, he looks far sprier than before. As North Carolina went on a 20-0 run late in the first half Monday, it was Little’s aggressive defense creating easy opportunities. That boost gave him — and coach Roy Williams — the confidence to spot up from 3. Little nailed two of three from deep after not taking a single 3 the past two contests.

North Carolina’s talent on offense is an embarrassment of riches. Fellow freshman Coby White scored 27 points of his own Monday and senior Luke Maye put the game away with two daggers 3s midway through the second half. But to make strides as a team and avoid bad losses like Jan. 12 at home against Louisville, the Tar Heels will need to play better defense. Little is the secret key to the team’s upside on that end.

If he swarms the ball and creates turnovers like he did Monday, Little could see his stock rise in a hurry.

Check out our full scouting report on Nassir Little.