Category: Tar Heels in NBA

Former UNC basketball transfer Pete Nance impressing Cavaliers

Former UNC basketball transfer Pete Nance has been on the coach’s radar this season. What are the chances he makes the Cleveland Cavaliers roster?

Pete Nance transferred into UNC basketball from Northwestern in the offseason three years ago for his last year of college basketball. During that season, Nance averaged 10.0 points per game coming off the bench.

He also added 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game as well. He ended up going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2023 NBA Summer League.

He ended up signing with the Cleveland Charge of the G-League after being released. Early this year, he signed a two-way contract with Cleveland. During a 10-day contract with Cleveland last year, he played in eight games averaging 3.4 minutes per game.

He once again took part in the 2024 NBA Summer League with the Cavaliers. This time, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot almost 35% from behind the arc.

Commenting on his performance, Nance said, “I have made a lot of strides, but I am nowhere near where I want to be. I have to continue to get better and keep working hard.”

Cleveland also added Jaylon Tyson in the first round of the NBA Draft this offseason with the 20th overall pick out of California. He averaged 19.6 points per game in college.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Leaky Black’s time with Charlotte Hornets comes to end

Leaky Black’s dream of playing for his hometown Charlotte Hornets came to a bittersweet end on Thursday, August 1.

There was hope that when Leaky Black’s time at North Carolina was up after the 2022-2023 season, he would be highly-sought after amongst NBA teams.

Black enjoyed a solid offensive jump during his COVID season, averaging a career-high 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, but that isn’t enough to be a consistent starter in today’s NBA.

Despite his prowess as a defensive ace, Black signed a 2-way deal with his hometown Charlotte Hornets – after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent most of last season with Charlotte’s G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, but appeared in 26 NBA games (three starts) – averaging 2.7 points in 10.7 minutes per game.

Black played Summer League ball with the Hornets again this summer. Unfortunately, that was his last time (for now) in Charlotte, as the Hornets released him on Thursday, Aug. 1.

If you follow the NBA, you’ll know Charlotte is one of the worst teams in the league. The Hornets, however, enjoyed a strong 7-1 Summer League – and are giving 2-way contracts to rookie KJ Simpson and Moussa Diabate instead.

If teams were looking at Black because of his defense alone, Black would be an easy first-round pick. As a Tar Heel, Black was typically assigned to the opposition’s top scorer.

There isn’t a lot of defense in today’s NBA, though, with some of the highest-ever point totals coming in the past couple seasons.

I’m sure another team will pick up Black, whether in the NBA, overseas or somewhere else in the Americas. After all, a player with Black’s caliber of defense is a rare find in today’s game – and defense wins championships.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Former UNC basketball standout Harrison Ingram signs first professional contract

The San Antonio Spurs officially signed former UNC standout Harrison Ingram on Monday afternoon.

Looking back on the 2023-2024 North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball season, I think we can all agree that Harrison Ingram was a valuable part of that success.

UNC entered the year in desperate need of a starting power forward, as Pete Nance used his last season of eligibility during the 2022-2023 campaign. North Carolina could’ve easily used Jae’Lyn Withers, but head coach Hubert Davis wanted to make sure his team had valuable depth.

Ingram brought the Tar Heels a rare combination of strong post presence, perimeter shooting ability and strong defense, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds last year. There was debate whether Ingram would return for senior year, but he chose the NBA Draft, which was the right decision.

Ingram wound up being the San Antonio Spurs’ second-round selection at 44th overall. He now joins a roster with the likes of rising superstar Victor Wembanyama, former UNC star Harrison Barnes and former Wake Forest standout Chris Paul, regarded amongst the NBA’s best active point guards.

On Monday, Ingram’s dream of being a professional basketball player officially came true, as San Antonio signed him to a 2-way contract.

Inking a 2-way contract means that Ingram will split his rookie campaign between San Antonio and Austin, Texas, where the Spurs’ G-League affiliate by the same name is located. We’ve seen former North Carolina stars, such as Leaky Black, sign 2-way contracts.

Ingram’s strong NBA 2K25 Summer League statline was a strong indicator he deserves a roster spot, as he averaged 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists over three games. Ingram might not play full-time in San Antonio, but if he plays well in the G-League, several call-ups await him.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Former Tar Heel Leaky Black featured in Charlotte Hornets’ NBA Summer League highlights

It’s safe to say that Leaky Black is enjoying his time with the Charlotte Hornets.

Leaky Black is arguably one of the best all-around basketball players to ever don a UNC uniform.

Black played at North Carolina for five seasons (2018-2023), carving out a name for himself as a defensive standout, a title that was apparent by being name a 2-time member of the ACC’s All-Defensive Team.

Roy Williams and Hubert Davis typically put Black on the opposition’s best shooter or offensive creator, with his goal the ability to heavily influence a game’s outcome.

As Black developed throughout his Tar Heels career, he added a solid shooting touch to his arsenal. Black never averaged more than 7.3 points per game in a single season, with that total coming in his 2022-2023 COVID year, but you could still count on him for decent scoring production.

When Black’s time at UNC ended, he signed a 2-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Despite spending most of last season with the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s NBA G League affiliate, Black played 26 NBA games.

Black was also part of Charlotte’s Summer League team the past two seasons, with 2024 being a strong summer in particular at 7-1. Black played in five of the Hornets’ eight contests, averaging three points, four rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

In the Hornets’ summer league highlights recap video, which they posted to Instagram on Thursday, July 25, you’ll see Black several times throughout.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C92mjbuJQ0Y/

I hope Charlotte decides to keep Black at the NBA level, but if he’d rather the route to more playing time, Greensboro might be the better option.

With both cities being just 90 minutes from each other, though, don’t be surprised to see Black bouncing back and forth.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Did former Tar Heel Danny Green just hint at an NBA comeback?

Former Tar Heel and 15-year NBA veteran Danny Green may not be done playing basketball yet.

Remember the 2009 UNC men’s basketball team, the one which many debate is the greatest in program history?

There were several future NBA players on that championship-winning Tar Heels roster, most notably Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson. Other starters included Marcus Ginyard, Deon Thompson and Wayne Ellington, with Ellington’s perimeter shooting abilities helping him carve out a respectable NBA career.

One player that doesn’t get enough credit on that roster, if you ask me, is Danny Green. His calling at North Carolina was defense, as evidenced by his 2009 selection to the All-ACC Defensive Team, but Green also improved as a scorer each season.

Green’s most memorable moment at UNC – besides winning the 2009 NCAA Tournament with is teammates – was dunking over Greg Paulus AT Duke. I remember watching that game on TV, but imagine being there – and seeing the shocked look amongst the Cameron Crazies.

Green was solid as a Tar Heel, but like Cole Anthony, he blossomed much more in his NBA career. Green developed a knack for draining perimeter shots at a high clip, particularly in the playoffs, plus he’s a 3-time NBA Finals Champion.

The 15-year NBA veteran is currently a free agent, but at age 37, still feels he can play in the league.

Check out what Green had to say at Ballin in the RGV, a Texas-based basketball camp he hosted earlier in July:

“I would love to come back if I had the opportunity,” Green said in a recent interview. “I have not officially retired. There’s free agency going on right now, and my phone lines are open.”

Green’s announcement comes at the perfect time, as the NBA regular season doesn’t start until October.

There’s always a need for 3-point shooting, particularly in today’s game. Where will Green go if a team signs him?

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

How much does trade of former Tar Heel Harrison Barnes impact Spurs and Kings’ rosters?

Could Harrison Barnes be the missing piece San Antonio needs for a playoff berth?

Though Michael Jordan obviously takes the cake as the greatest NBA player to ever come out of UNC, there’s been several solid stars in MJ’s following.

The list is pretty long, especially considering that trash talkers say North Carolina doesn’t put players in the NBA. Former pro Tar Heels include Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Tyler Hansbrough from the 2009 NCAA Championship-winning team, Rasheed Wallace and Harrison Barnes, the latter of whom is amongst the NBA’s best small forwards.

Barnes, a model of consistency since being chosen seventh overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, won his lone NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors in 2015. Barnes started 913 of the 982 games he’s already appeared in, averaging a regular-season best 19.2 points per game in 2016-2017 (his first with the Dallas Mavericks) and a postseason-best 16.1 per game in 2013 – with Golden State.

The move worked out for both teams, with both Sacramento (DeMar DeRozan) and the Spurs adding much-needed veteran presences. Barnes played a major impact in the Kings’ success of recent, helping them snap a 16-year playoff drought in the 2022-2023 NBA season. He started all 82 regular-season and seven playoff games that campaign, averaging 15 points per game and 4.5 assists per game.

Sacremento’s front office did a great job going out and acquiring Barnes midway through the 2019 season, although rather in a bizarre manner, as the trade occurred while Barnes was halfway through a game. Barnes started all 371 regular-season games and nine postseason games as a King, highlighted by his 2023 postseason, in which Sacramento took Golden State to seven games in the First Round.

Most importantly, Barnes brought the much-needed veteran presence to a young Kings squad, which includes the likes of Domantas Sabonis, Iowa’s Keegan Murray and Kentucky’s DeAaron Fox.

Without Barnes in northern California, though, how will the Kings play in the 2024-2025 NBA campaign?

The main need Barnes brings to the Spurs’ roster is veteran talent, something the Spurs had none of last year.

San Antonio’s oldest player last season was Cedi Osman, the 29-year-old reserve small forward who only started three games last year. Let that sink in – no one was over 30.

Having a young team is good, in the sense that you’ll likely have those players together for years to come, but it also causes some uncharacteristic mistakes veteran teams make less often.

Adding Barnes, who’s 32 and still in his prime, should bring the Spurs back to a more relevant team in the Western Conference. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

NBA offseason creates an unusual pipeline between San Antonio Spurs and UNC basketball

What is the significance of Harrison Ingram and Harrison Barnes teaming up on the San Antonio Spurs?

In just one offseason, the San Antonio Spurs bolstered their roster drastically with the addition of an NBA star and two North Carolina Tar Heels.

Chris Paul, a fellow ACC basketball alumni who starred at Wake Forest from 2003-2005, joined the Spurs after one season with the Golden State Warriors. Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star who, despite not winning a championship, should be in the Hall of Fame when he retires.

Before Paul came to San Antonio, the Spurs added their first former UNC basketball standout: Harrison Ingram, who heard his name called 48th overall (second round) in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Around the same time Paul joined San Antonio, a fellow former Tar Heel in Harrison Barnes did the same. If you remember Barnes’ name, he led North Carolina to a pair of Elite 8 appearances – in 2011 and 2012.

It’s always exciting watching former UNC standouts play on NBA squads, but to have two on the same team is pretty rare.

Looking at the Spurs’ roster, how likely is it Barnes and Ingram play on the court together?

Off the top of our heads, we know Barnes will be San Antonio’s starting small forward. He’s a reliable, consistent scorer who’s averaged double-digit points in each of the last 12 seasons.

Ingram’s spot on the roster isn’t guaranteed, though. The Spurs are four deep at small forward – Ingram could play power forward, but at 6’5″, he’s undersized at the NBA level.

I could see Ingram signing a 2-way contract. That way, he’d be on the roster while getting playing time in the G-League.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Former UNC and NBA standout Vince Carter named cover athlete for popular video game

If you pick up a copy of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition, you’ll recognize the cover athlete.

Outside of the late Kobe Bryant, I can’t think of a better basketball dunker than former North Carolina Tar Heel and longtime NBA veteran Vince Carter.

UNC was treated to three seasons of the high-flying Carter, who took UNC to the 1997 and 1998 Final Fours. He came off the bench for 12 games during his freshman season (1995-1996), then started all 72 games over his final two seasons, averaging a career-best 15.6 points per contest during his junior campaign (second Final Four run).

Carter truly cemented his basketball legacy in the NBA, starting with his 1999 Rookie of the Year award, as a Toronto Raptor.. He’d shortly after become an 8-time All-Star (2000-2007), average a minimum 20 points per game (regular-season career-best 27.6 in 2000-2001, playoffs career-high 29.6 in 2006) across 10 separate seasons, plus win the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest – all while playing for eight separate franchises.

To no one’s surprise, Carter is a 2024 inductee for the Naismith Hall of Fame. That’s not the only big news Carter recently received, though.

On Wednesday, Carter was announced as the cover athlete for NBA 2K25’s Hall of Fame Edition.

If you’re a gamer like myself, the Carter news has to excite you. You might also be wondering – how does the Hall of Fame Edition differ from the standard edition of NBA 2K?

Sports games tend to offer you gameplay opportunities with historic teams. If that’s the case, you should easily be able to play as Carter.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Former UNC basketball star congratulates Caitlin Clark on historic game

Superstar Caitlin Clark’s latest heroics caught the attention of this fellow Iowan and former UNC basketball standout.

Former Iowa star and current Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has revolutionized and revitalized women’s basketball across the country.

Clark broke Pete Maravich’s all-time NCAA basketball scoring record on Sunday, March 3 in Iowa’s 93-83 win over Ohio State on March 3. This came as no surprise to her teammates or any basketball fan, as Clark averaged 31.6 points per game during her final season as a Hawkeye.

While Clark’s hometown of Des Moines, Iowa knew about her skills long ago, there was an inkling she’d be something special during Year One as a Hawkeye. Clark has the ability to make shots from virtually anywhere, cross up just about anyone, blaze by defenders with her speed and rarely has a bad game.

Clark’s storied college career earned her the first overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft, with Clark going to the Indiana Fever. Indiana’s season started off rough, but they now (as of Sunday, July 7) sit in a Top-8 spot for the WNBA Playoffs.

The latest milestone in Clark’s basketball career came on Saturday, July 6, as she recorded a 19-point, 13-assist and 12-rebound triple-double. This was the first triple-double by a rookie in the WNBA’s 27-year history – as you can imagine, this caught the attention of many.

One current NBA player Clark’s historic game caught the attention of was Harrison Barnes, the former North Carolina Tar Heel who was recently traded to the San Antonio Spurs.

Barnes, the reliable, productive veteran who spent his past 5 1/2 seasons with the Sacramento Kings, comes from Iowa like Clark. He has previously showcased his affinity for Clark, congratulating her for several big moments in her career.

While Clark’s focus is on leading the Fever back to the playoffs, Barnes now gets to join fellow Tar Heel alum Harrison Ingram on the Spurs’ roster.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Former Tar Heel Harrison Barnes delivers thank you message to Sacramento Kings

Harrison Ingram won’t be the only former UNC basketball standout in San Antonio this coming NBA season.

The Sacramento Kings franchise will forever be grateful for the contributions of former UNC basketball player Harrison Barnes, an NBA veteran who is a perfect model of consistency, since entering the league in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Barnes began his professional career with the Golden State Warriors, winning his lone NBA championship and starting all but 61 games he appeared in with the storied franchise. He signed with the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the 2016 campaign, recording a career-best 19.2 points per game in 2019, but failing to reach the playoffs in Texas.

Sacramento was arguably Barnes’ best stop so far. He helped a young Kings team snap a 16-year playoff drought in 2022, taking his former Golden State squad to seven games in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs. Sacramento made the playoffs for a second-straight season last year, but failed to advance out of the Play-In tournament.

As a King, though, Barnes truly developed into one of the league’s most consistent players. He’s a borderline superstar, averaging no less than 12 points per game during any season in Sacramento. He started all 408 appearances (nine in the playoffs), giving the Kings a reliable player they could count on for consistent production.

Barnes’ time in Sacramento recently came to an end, though, as he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, Barnes then delivered a heartfelt thank-you message to the Kings franchise.

Barnes will join a suddenly exciting San Antonio squad that includes 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, former Wake Forest standout and 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul, plus another former Tar Heel in 2024 NBA Draftee Harrison Ingram.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.