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Portland Trail Blazers: Nassir Little enters concussion protocol

Marlow Ferguson Jr.|
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 27: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on November 27, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 27: Nassir Little #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on November 27, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

This morning, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts confirmed that Nassir Little entered concussion protocol after Monday’s practice. Here’s what that means in the short-term.

For many of the younger Portland Trail Blazers, the four-month stoppage in play represented an offseason — an opportunity to add new dimensions to their game for the stretch run. For one Nassir Little, rave had begun to swirl because of the shooting work he had put in with Damian Lillard, a skill that effectively raises the ceiling on his two-way potential.

It turns out, Blazers fans are going to have to wait a bit longer to see that in a competitive setting. As head coach Terry Stotts made note of this morning, the rookie swingman entered concussion protocol after yesterday’s practice.

Little appeared poised for a promotion, in large part due to Trevor Ariza’s absence. With Carmelo Anthony’s move to the small forward position, all arrows seemed pointed to Little carving out a role as a reserve.

There’s still ample reason to believe he will do so. It’s unclear as of now if Little will be able to showcase some of the new wrinkles in his game during Portland’s three exhibition games, the first of which coming on Thursday, Jul. 23 against the Indiana Pacers.

If there’s any positive, the Blazers have been able to shake off concussions quickly, historically. Earlier this season, Anfernee Simons suffered a concussion during a Feb. 7 game against Utah, and was able to suit up four nights later against New Orleans.

On the season, Little is averaging 3.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game on 43.0 percent shooting in 11.9 minutes per game. As expected, his offensive numbers improve the more playing time he’s given, but where he’s turned the most heads is through his hustle and defensive motor. As the Blazers prepare for an attempt at a seventh consecutive Playoff appearance, aspects like that will be of high importance.