Cavaliers Urged To Sign Nassir Little: ‘Provides Another Wing Shooter’

One NBA analyst has urged the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign Nassir Little.

Caleb Crowley of King James Gospel believes the Cavaliers should add Little, who was recently waived by the Phoenix Suns. 

“With limited options left, the Cavaliers must take a chance on Little,” Crowley wrote. “Although the five-year veteran has yet to catch fire and fulfill his greatest potential, he has steadily improved and ended his tenure with the Portland Trailblazers with a 36.7 percent three-point shot before moving to the Suns. Over his career, Little has averaged 5.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 33 percent from deep on 2.2 attempts per game. Roughly half of his attempts come from beyond the arc, and he is an established shooter willing to fill any role given.

“Little is by no means a perfect player, ranking below average on both offensive and defensive LEBRON scores, per BBall-Index (subscription required). For the Cavs, though, Little provides another wing shooter capable of making his presence felt with the right opportunity. While he is another undersized wing at 6-foot-5, Little will likely be available for a minimum contract after clearing waivers. It is improbable that Little finds extra money or years on a deal this late into the offseason.”

Little averaged 3.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists for the Suns last season in 45 games while shooting 46.0% from the field, 30.0% from beyond the arc and 85.0% from the free-throw line. He’s only 24. 

A UNC product, Little has career averages of 5.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists with the Portland Trail Blazers and Suns. He was the 25th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. 

“A trial season with Little is a worthwhile chance for a Cavs team in desperate need of some sort of improvement and growth this summer,” Crowley wrote. “After adding a new coaching staff and re-signing core players, Cleveland has failed every step of the way to upgrade their depth beyond drafting summer league standout Jaylon Tyson. Little is a raw prospect with signs of promise as a 3-and-D role player. If the Cavaliers find a deal for Isaac Okoro or Caris LeVert in the near future, then Little provides a low-usage replacement to fill the rotation.”