Tag: Tar Heels in NBA

Former UNC basketball star could be subjected to NBA trade rumors

One former Tar Heel appears headed towards the NBA Trading Block.

The Chicago Bulls are nowhere near the same franchise they once were – and I’m talking about the Michael Jordan years.

Chicago has just two postseason appearances since the 2016-2017 NBA campaign, but hasn’t won in the playoffs since 2015. The Bulls are currently 19-25, good enough for 10th in the Eastern Conference and a spot in the Play-In Tournament, but have just two wins in their last eight games.

Coby White, another former UNC basketball star, is third on Chicago with 18.2 points per game. Despite White’s scoring prowess, which includes a pair of 30-point games, he might not be part of the Bulls’ future if they keep losing.

Here is what Forbes NBA contributor Evan Sidery tweeted on Wednesday:

“Noise is growing louder around the Bulls going all-in on a full-scale rebuild, which could include trading Coby White,” Sidery tweeted. “White is valued highly by Chicago, but they appear open to listening to trade offers, as he would net the most significant return of any player on their roster.”

If the Bulls move forward with trading White, where would he go? It’d be fun to see him play for Charlotte, but a team like the Boston Celtics would better utilize White.

White is one of the more notable one-and-dones in recent North Carolina basketball memory, as he averaged 16.1 points per game during the 2018-2019 season. White also made 82 3-pointers in the same season, when the Tar Heels ran to the Sweet 16, before losing to Auburn.

If only the Tar Heels could get White’s perimeter shooting abilities this year, I’d feel a lot better about the team’s direction. Alas, it’s great to see White thriving at the next level – this season his second as a full-time starter.

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Armando Bacot breaks out again Sunday night, enjoys double-double in big win

Armando Bacot continues to prove NBA teams wrong for passing on him in the 2024 Draft.

Despite all the success he enjoyed over five seasons at UNC, Armando Bacot wasn’t chosen in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Bacot, who is North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,715) and double-doubles (87), instead joined the Utah Jazz for NBA Summer League action.

Bacot later signed a non-guaranteed, Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzles and, after being released, joined the Memphis Hustle (NBA G-League affiliate).

Bacot showed, on Sunday afternoon, why NBA teams should regret drafting him.

During the Hustle’s 138-116 road victory over the Delaware Blue Coats (Philadelphia 76ers’ G-League affiliate), Bacot recorded another double-double, this time with 19 points and 11 rebounds. His day included an efficient 6-of-12 mark from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-point land and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

Bacot also showcased his defensive skills during the big win, registering a team-high four steals and blocking one shot.

Now through 16 games with the Hustle, Bacot is averaging 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He is also shooting an efficient, 43.3 percent from deep.

These numbers are certainly worthy of a call-up, but the Grizzles are extremely deep in the post: Jaren Jackson, Santa Aldama and Zach Edey all average double-digits.

Looking at Bacot’s statline, there’s one number that likely jumps out at you: made 3-pointers. Bacot enjoyed just five perimeter makes during his 5-year Tar Heel career – and nearly halved that on Sunday.

As of Monday, January 13, the Grizzlies are currently the Western Conference’s third seed. There’s still nearly three months of regular season basketball to be played, but if wins keep coming to Beale Street, Bacot could be playing postseason basketball in the NBA.

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Former UNC basketball National Champion kicking off broadcasting career Sunday

Theo Pinson’s basketball journey isn’t over quite yet.

It’s been awhile since the UNC basketball program won a National Championship.

A year after losing to Villanova at the buzzer, North Carolina made it back to the 2017 NCAA Title Game, finishing the job against Gonzaga. This Tar Heels squad carried four future NBA players: Isaiah Hicks, Tony Bradley, Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson.

Hicks is playing pro ball in South Korea, Bradley is currently in the NBA G-League, while Jackson and Pinson aren’t playing basketball.

Starting on Sunday, December 22, one of the above four National Championships will begin his National TV broadcasting career.

Pinson, who became the first UNC player to ever average 10 points, five rebounds and five assists in a season, will call the American-Virginia basketball game on Sunday, December 22.

According to Ross Martin of 247Sports/CBS Sports, Sunday isn’t the only time Pinson will be on Natironal TV. Pinson will also call the Georgia Tech-SMU ACC basketball matchup on Saturday, January 11.

Pinson now joins a loaded ACC Network lineup, which includes play-by-play announcer Wes Durham and host/announcer Taylor Tannebaum.

We have no record of Pinson calling past games, but if you look at his recent tweets, he recently say down to talk Tar Heels basketball with Jackson and Raymond Felton.

Imagine if North Carolina had Pinson on this year’s squad. UNC is still trying to discover itself, but the outlook is bleak now in December. The Tar Heels are just 1-5 against ranked teams – and while they beat non-Power 4 opponents with ease, it’s the ranked wins that’ll help come Selection Sunday.

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Two former Tar Heels face off in NBA G-League action Saturday

Harrison Ingram and Armando Bacot went head-to-head on Saturday night.

It’s no secret the North Carolina Tar Heels miss the production Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram gave them on the basketball court.

Bacot and Ingram only played together at UNC during the 2023-2024 season, but their combined presence was a headache for opponents. Bacot backed opposing centers to the hoop with his strength, finishing them off with dunks or easy layups, while Ingram could score inside or knock down 3-pointers.

Both Bacot and Ingram are now playing professional basketball – deservedly so. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Bacot and Ingram faced off against each other in NBA G-League action.

Bacot got the best of Ingram in the matchup of former North Carolina teammates, as Bacot blocked Ingram’s layup attempt early in the first half.

The San Antonio Spurs selected Harrison Ingram 48th overall (second round) in June’s NBA Draft, though he is now playing for the Austin Spurs in the NBA G-League. Armando Bacot plays for the Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate.

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Bacot and the Hustle won a close, high-scoring contest by a 100-96 margin. Bacot enjoyed quite the outing in 34 minutes as a starter, recording yet another double-double by scoring a team-high 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Ingram didn’t fare as well in his start, scoring just five points on 2-of-9 shooting. Ingram did pull down 10 rebounds, though, leading his Spurs teammates.

In Chapel Hill, Bacot and Ingram helped lead the Tar Heels to a Sweet 16 appearance in March. Bacot averaged a double-double of 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, while Ingram averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

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Former UNC basketball standout sets season-high point total

Former North Carolina Tar Heel Cam Johnson just had the best game of his young NBA season on Tuesday night.

When you think of the most athletic basketball players to don a North Carolina Tar Heels basketball uniform, who comes to mind?

For me, Cameron Johnson is right up there. Johnson transferred to UNC – from Pitt – ahead of the 2017-2018 campaign, North Carolina never won a title in Johnson’s two years, but he made a lasting impact.

Now a crucial member of and starting small forward for the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson is enjoying the best season of his 6-year career.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 in a 116-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson scored a season-best 34 points. He shot an unconscious 6-of-12 from the perimeter, made 11-of-20 shots overall and all six of his free throw attemps.

Johnson wasn’t just contributing on the score sheet. He showcased his versatility as a well-rounded contributor, adding five rebounds, four assists. two blocks and a steal.

Brooklyn isn’t playing great basketball, sitting 6-9 not even a quarter through the NBA season, but it’s currently seeded ninth in a weak Eastern Conference.

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Johnson is 49th in the entire NBA with 18.1 points per game, which ranks second on the Nets behind Cam Thomas. With Brooklyn thought to be early sellers, Johnson might not be in Brooklyn much longer – though he’s a great, young talented player to build a franchise around.

North Carolina only had Johnson for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons, but like I alluded to earlier, Johnson made an immediate impact from Day One.

He started 56 of his 62 games as a Tar Heel, averaging 15 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Johnson earned First Team All-ACC Honors after 2019 ended, when UNC lost to Auburn in the Sweet 16.

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Harrison Ingram the latest Tar Heel to record double-double in professional basketball

Harrison Ingram’s second professional basketball game saw him record a double-double.

How much do you miss watching Harrison Ingram play basketball for our beloved North Carolina Tar Heels?

Ingram was arguably the greatest transfer portal addition of Hubert Davis’ head coaching career, giving UNC an explosive stretch four who kept defenses guessing. Ingram was a double-double machine at North Carolina – not quite like Armando Bacot, but he helped give opposing defenses a headache.

When the 2024 NBA Draft rolled around, Ingram was lucky to hear his name called by the San Antonio Spurs. Ingram is currently on a 2-way contract – and is playing with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s G-League affiliate.

Already in his second game with Austin, Ingram is making quite the impact. Ingram recorded a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double in the Baby Spurs’ 122-120 victory over the Osceola Magic on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Ingram wasn’t the only former Tar Heel to record a double-double over the weekend, as Bacot did the same on Saturday.

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Ingram’s 13 rebounds were the most amongst his teammates, while his 35 minutes played were tied with Malachi Flynn for most. Ingram didn’t have the best shooting day, making just 4-of-13 shot attempts, but he converted on 4-of-5 free throw attempts.

North Carolina was in desperate need of a power forward ahead of the 2023-2024 college basketball season, as Pete Nance left for the NBA after a disappointing year. Hubert went out and aced UNC’s need, nabbing Ingram from now-ACC program Stanford.

Ingram tallied 11 double-doubles as a Tar Heel, with his final one coming in the regular-season finale at Duke, helping the Tar Heels complete a regular-season sweep of their archrivals.

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Armando Bacot dominates with double-double in NBA G-League debut

Just how much of an impact did Tar Heel legend Armando Bacot have in his NBA G-League debut?

Armando Bacot etched his way into the UNC basketball history books during his five seasons in Chapel Hill, but that didn’t guarantee him a 2024 NBA Draft selection.

Bacot initially signed with the Utah Jazz‘ Summer League team, then later found his way onto the Memphis Grizzles, thanks to an Exhibit-10 contract. Bacot impressed in preseason ball with Memphis, but was later part of final roster cuts.

Now with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzles’ G-League affiliate, Bacot is already making a quick impression.

On Saturday, Nov. 9 in his G-League debut, Bacot registered a 17-point, 18-rebound double-double as the Hustle’s starting center. Memphis lost, 103-97, but Bacot showed why he can be a key eventual contributor in the NBA.

Bacot shot just 6-of-18 from the field, but what’s most impressive about his performance are the types of shots he made. Bacot drained three 3-pointers in nine attempts. If you recall Bacot’s time at North Carolina, he rarely shot the basketball outside the paint, not making a 3-pointer until the 2023-2024 campaign.

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Bacot led the Hustle in two categories: minutes played (37) and rebounds (18). One of Bacot’s teammates, former Oregon Duck Miles Morris, also recorded a double-double (24 points, 10 rebounds).

In his five seasons as a Tar Heel, Bacot set the program record for rebounds (1,715) and double-doubles (87). You’d think this would be enough to get Bacot an NBA Draft Selection, but today’s professional big man is someone who can both play down low and shoot outside jumpers.

If Bacot keeps dominating at the G-League level like he did Saturday, it won’t be long before an NBA team is calling his name again.

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Vince Carter earns retirement gift, Raptors to honor him this weekend

It’s a good weekend to be Vince Carter.

When it comes to the best dunkers in basketball history, who are some names that come to mind?

For me, it’s former UNC standout Vince Carter, who truly developed himself into a star at the professional level.

Carter played at North Carolina for three seasons (1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1997-1998), helping his teammates make the Final Four twice. Carter averaged 12.3 points per game across his three years as a Tar Heel, highlighted by a career best 15.6 PPG in his final season.

Drafted fifth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft, Carter played 22 seasons with eight different teams, most notably his first six-and-a-half with the Toronto Raptors. Eight All-Star nods later and 21st on the NBA All-Time scoring list, Carter earned himself a 2024 Hall of Fame induction.

As a thank you for Carter’s service to the city of Toronto, Air Canada is also gifting Carter an A-220 aircraft – complete with his 15 on the side.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Toronto will be also retiring Carter’s legendary number 15 during its game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Carter’s jersey retirement also marks a historical moment, with his 15 the first number to be retired in Raptors’ franchise history.

Carter is arguably one of the greatest professional basketball players to never win a championship – or make one. Carter’s 2010 season with the Orlando Magic was the closest he got, as Orlando advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, before losing to the now reigning NBA Finals champion Boston Celtics.

In 2000-2001 with Toronto, Carter averaged a career-best 27.6 points per game. This was one of Carter’s 10 seasons averaging a minimum 20 points per game, showcasing how efficient of a scorer he was.

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Four former UNC basketball standouts cut from NBA rosters over the weekend

Which Tar Heels failed to avoid their former NBA teams’ latest round of roster cuts?

The North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the nation’s greatest college basketball programs, having won six NCAA championships, plus nearly 70 combined ACC regular-season and tournament titles.

As a result of UNC’s success, the country’s top players want to play in Chapel Hill. North Carolina has put some of that recent talent into the NBA, such as Harrison Ingram earning the San Antonio Spurs’ final roster spot this season.

Some other recent former Tar Heels were not as fortunate as Ingram, though.

On Oct. 19, former UNC standouts Armando Bacot, Cormac Ryan, Nassir Little and Pete Nance were waived by their respective NBA teams.

In a sports world that has an extremely difficult nature of business, NBA teams needed to trim their rosters – by 4 p.m. Saturday – to avoid salary cap hits.

Bacot, who is North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds (1,715) and double-doubles (87), was waived from his Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzles. Bacot played with the Utah Jazz in summer league action.

Ryan, who transferred from Notre Dame to Chapel Hill for his final season of college basketball last year, was waived from his Exhibit 10 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ryan averaged 11.5 points per game and shot a hair better than 35% from 3-point land.

Little, the Portland Trail Blazers’ first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, was waived by the Miami Heat. Little started 36 of 237 regular-season games in his first five professional seasons, averaging 5.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Nance, who never lived up to his hype as Brady Manek’s “replacement” during the Tar Heels’ 2022-2023 campaign, was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nance played eight NBA games in his rookie season, averaging 0.4 points and rebounds per clash.

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Armando Bacot spends day with North Carolina Tar Heels in Memphis

There’s no recent player who loves the Tar Heels more than Armando Bacot. Check out what he did Tuesday night.

When former Tar Heel Armando Bacot finished up his time in the NBA Summer League, the Utah Jazz decided not to sign him.

Thankfully, the Memphis Grizzlies took a chance on UNC’s all-time rebounds and double-doubles leader, signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract.

On Tuesday, Oct. 15 with North Carolina in Memphis for a preseason exhibition game, you know Bacot had to catch up with his former teammates.

Bacot spent time at the Tar Heels’ morning shootaround, then sat courtside and tried his hand at announcing during the national broadcast on ESPNU.

UNC played exceptional basketball in its 84-76 victory over the Memphis Tigers, holding a double-digit lead for most of it. North Carolina junior guard Seth Trimble stole the show, scoring a game-high 33 points in the absence or RJ Davis, while Jalen Washington turned a few heads with his 17-point outing. You can’t forget about projected starting guard Elliot Cadeau, who scored 11 points and dished out 13 assists.

 

The Tar Heels won’t have Bacot’s post production this coming season, so they’ve been trying to find someone to at least show they’re ready to step into Bacot’s shoes. Washington showed he’s capable, plus Washington has something in his bag Bacot didn’t – the ability to shoot 3-pointers.

UNC also has freshman center James Brown, Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin and Georgia Tech transfer Tyzhaun Claude to fill Bacot’s shoes. Lubin likely will be the starter, as he showcased a couple electric plays in the exhibition win, but Washington can also push for starting minutes.

I can’t think of a recent player who loves North Carolina more than Bacot. It was great to seem him supporting the Tar Heels last night – and I hope it’s not the last we see of him in 2024.

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