5 former North Carolina players currently playing in the NBA, featuring Cameron Johnson
North Carolina has been one of the top universities in the NCAA, with a regular presence in the Final Four and several of its players moving to the NBA. The Tar Heels have won six national titles, which is the third-most behind UCLA and Kentucky, which have 11 and eight, respectively.
Former UNC players currently playing in the NBA
Let's take a look at five former North Carolina players who are currently playing in the NBA.
#5 - Coby White (Chicago Bulls)
Coby White is entering his fifth year in the league with the Chicago Bulls and with Lonzo Ball out long-term and the Bulls struggling in the point guard position, he has seen a lot of playing time.
Last year, he averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 74 games, with Chicago missing the playoffs. This season, we should expect him to play even more minutes.
#4 - Reggie Bullock (Dallas Mavericks)
Reggie Bullock moved to the NBA in 2012 and has been part of the Dallas Mavericks for the past two seasons. He averaged 7.8 points, shooting 38.0% from beyond the arc and 3.6 rebounds in 78 games last season.
Bullock is expected to have a key role next season, as Dallas will look to bounce back after a disappointing 2022-23 campaign.
He has also spent time with the LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and LA Lakers.
#3 - Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic)
Cole Anthony joined the Orlado Magic in 2020 and has been a key part of the franchise's young core over this three-year period. Last year, he averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists, but Orlando missed the postseason again.
However, with Paolo Banchero leading the way, the team has a bright future, and we can expect Cole Anthony to cement himself as a strong contributor to the franchise moving forward.
#2 - Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings)
Entering his 12th season, Harrison Barnes is among the stars of the Sacramento Kings. He was part of a Sacramento team that put an end to the franchise's playoff drought, which lasted 16 years, the longest in sports history.
Barnes, who has played for the Mavs and Golden State Warriors before signing with the Kings, averaged 15.0 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 82 games, shooting at 37.4% from beyond the arc last season.
#1 - Cameron Johnson (Brooklyn Nets)
Cameron Johnson may be the best former UNC player who is currently playing in the NBA. He elevated his game during his four seasons with the Phoenix Suns and has made an impact since joining the Brooklyn Nets with Malik Bridges in February.
Johnson, who is making his debut with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup this summer, averaged 15.5 ppg and 4.4 rpg in 42 games last season, on 40.4% from 3-point range.