All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Pro Getting Minutes for Title Contender

At least recently, UNC basketball one-and-done Nassir Little has a place in Phoenix's rotation.
Matt Giles|
Former UNC basketball forward Nassir Little (Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports)

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North Carolina Tar Heels

UNC basketball product Nassir Little is far from the most crucial piece in the Phoenix Suns' arsenal. Even so, as of late, he's been earning significant minutes off the bench on a loaded roster that, when fully healthy, should look like a title contender.

Moreover, the 23-year-old forward's playing time has recently demanded more than mop-up duty.

Case in point: Little played 20 minutes for the Suns in their 140-137 overtime road victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. The fifth-year pro scored 10 points, shooting 4-for-7 from the field, 2-for-5 from 3-point range, and 0-for-2 at the line.

He added three rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.

Through seven appearances this season, Little has averaged 3.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.

The Suns (7-6) have Monday off before hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (3-10) on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.

And on that note, remember that Nassir Little spent the first four years of his NBA career with the Trail Blazers. They drafted him 25th overall in 2019 following his one-and-done UNC basketball campaign (he averaged only 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 36 games as a Tar Heel rookie).

Little, a former five-star recruit who ranked third on the 247Sports 2018 Composite when he arrived in Chapel Hill, remained in Portland for four years. He peaked at 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25.9 minutes per game in 2021-22. He came to Phoenix in September as part of a three-team trade.

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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