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UNC Basketball: LeBron James and Tar Heels as NBA Champions?

By Brandon Griffin

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players celebrate after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Caron Butler thinks LeBron James could make UNC a contender in the NBA. Is this reality or just mere conjecture from a former player?

Could LeBron James take the University of North Carolina Tar Heels national championship team to the NBA Finals?

Well, one former NBA player thinks so at least.

Caron Butler appeared on “The Herd” with Collin Cowherd Tuesday to discuss the NBA Playoffs thus far. During the segment, Butler talked about James and his impressive performance in the first round against the Indiana Pacers.

He then made a bold claim.

A very, very bold claim. See for yourself below:

Okay, well maybe he didn’t say NBA Finals but contender implies there is a chance.

Though this is great press for the Tar Heels, I really think Butler was speaking more about how awesome James is more so than the overall talent of the Tar Heels.

Put James on the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Brooklyn Nets (all NBA bottom feeders) and they are in the playoffs and not the draft lottery.

Additionally, you take James off the Cleveland Cavaliers and they are definitely not a title contender even in the lesser Eastern Conference.

Regardless this thought does raise some interesting questions.

Could the Tar Heels compete in the NBA playoffs with LeBron James? What would the lineup look like? Who would coach the team, Roy Williams or Tyrone Lue?

Does a lineup of Isaiah Hicks, LeBron James, Justin Jackson, Theo Pinson, or Joel Berry II scare anyone? What about Meeks in place of Pinson for a monster lineup? Would UNC still dominate the boards?

Obviously in reverse could North Carolina have gone undefeated this season in college basketball with LeBron James in the lineup? Would there be any question who should win every player of the year category? And what number would James wear as both 6 and 23 are not available?

What ifs are fun and this obviously would be an interesting one. Plus LeBron James seriously considered UNC before forgoing college to be one of the best basketball players ever.

Would there be any doubt which school was the greatest if both Michael Jordan and LeBron James went there?

Next: Theo Pinson, Joel Berry declare for NBA Draft

So could Lebron James and UNC win the NBA championship together? Who knows? But it is sure is a cool thing to consider if you are a Tar Heel fan.

Is this possible? Let us know in the comments below.

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