Trail Blazers: Nassir Little injury history and update on labral tear

A review of Nassir Little’s injury history and an update on his latest status:

Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nassir Little was diagnosed with a left shoulder labral tear on January 26 and will likely have season-ending surgery. Little’s performance was one of the few bright spots in a mostly bleak campaign, and he became the third Blazer to miss a large chunk of the season.

Little had played in 42 games this season – starting 23 – after playing just 48 games in each of the past two seasons. His averages of 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks are all more than double his previous career high, and the 25th pick in the 2019 draft had played himself into the Blazers’ starting lineup and perhaps also their long-term plans.

Little’s play and the Blazers’ struggles and anticipated roster reshuffling had put his name front and center of a good amount of trade speculation, but the injury almost certainly means he’ll be on the roster going into the summer.

He will be a restricted free agent next year, though, and will almost definitely command multiple offers. But for now he’s focused on surgery options and rehabilitation plans with a return for the 2022-23 season in mind.

This article was updated on January 31.

Nassir Little injury update:

Little has been out since January 26th and is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Nassir Little left ankle sprain, 2021

Little sprained his left ankle against the Utah Jazz on November 29 and missed the next four games. The Blazers were in the midst of a 1-10 slide.

Nassir Little back injury, 2021

Little missed two games in mid-May with a back injury.

Nassir Little thumb injury, 2021

Little missed three games in late March and early April with a thumb injury.

Nassir Little knee injury, 2021

After scoring a career-high 30 points on February 1st against Milwaukee, Little missed four games with a knee injury. He would play just 20 minutes total in the next five games.

Nassir Little dehydration, 2020

Little missed Game 5 against the Lakers in the 2020 playoffs due to dehydration.

Nassir Little left ankle sprain, 2020

Little missed five games in February with a sprained left ankle.

Nassir Little back spasms, 2019

Little was out from December 12 through December 20 with back spasms. He played just 24 minutes in the Blazers’ 14 games that month.