UNC Basketball: Tar Heels In The Pros Update: January 30

It was another interesting week for former UNC basketball players in the NBA, as Cole Anthony and Cam Johnson were incredible. Others, like Tony Bradley and Theo Pinson, continue to struggle to see the floor at all.

While the UNC basketball program continues to get back on track, the guys in the pros are getting mixed results. Harrison Barnes continues to be one of the more consistent role players in the NBA.

Two Heels could be reunited ahead of the trade deadline, an idea thrown out by ESPN. Check out how the guys did in the NBA this past week:

Cole Anthony: Orlando Magic

Anthony had his best week of the season, reaching at least 18 points in three of the four games. He averaged 16.5 points in the four contests, along with five rebounds and four assists.

In the last two games, he went 7-for-12 (58.3%) from three-point range, raising his season numbers to 33.3%. He is showing signs of returning to his former self, as he continues to be more efficient as well.

Season Stats: 32 Games Played (3 starts), 12.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.2 APG

Harrison Barnes: Sacramento Kings

The Kings struggled to a 1-2 record on the week, and Barnes struggled in the two losses. He averaged 14.3 points across the three games while going 10-for-24 (41.7%) from the field.

He did find a way to get to the free throw line, including going 10-for-11 (90.9%) in the final game of the week against the Timberwolves. The Kings have an important four-game week ahead, beginning with another contest against the Timberwolves.

Season Stats: 48 Games Played (48 starts), 32.5 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG

Tony Bradley: Chicago Bulls

Nothing more has changed with Bradley, as he didn’t appear in a game on the week.

Season Stats: 10 Games Played (0 starts), 2.6 MPG, 1.2 PPG, 1.0 RPG

Reggie Bullock: Dallas Mavericks

Bullock put up 19 points against the Utah Jazz, going five-for-eight (62.5%) from behind the arc. He stepped up in Luka Doncic’s absence, and the Mavericks will need more of that shooting until Doncic returns from injury.

Season Stats: 49 Games Played (30 starts), 6.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 35.9 3PT%

Justin Jackson: Boston Celtics

It’s been a rough season for Jackson, who seems to be holding onto his roster spot by a thread. He was able to appear in 14 minutes on Tuesday against the Heat. He scored three points on one-for-three from deep, while grabbing five rebounds. It was his second-most minutes in a game this season.

Season Stats: 21 Games Played (0 starts), 4.7 MPG, 0.9 PPG, 26.3 3PT%

Cameron Johnson: Phoenix Suns

Cameron Johnson continues to shoot lights out, a much-needed boost with Devin Booker still out. On the week, he averaged 20.7 points in three games, while going 14-for-21 (66.7%) from three-point range. It’s nothing new for UNC basketball fans, as he’s always been an elite shooter.

He’s shooting an incredible 46.3% from deep in 13 games this season, continuing to show he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. Johnson has shown improvements in other aspects of his game as well, specifically his defense and ability to get to the basket.

Season Stats: 13 Games Played (12 starts), 14.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 46.3 3PT%

Walker Kessler: Utah Jazz

In three games, the Jazz center averaged 11 points, 8.3 rebounds, and two blocks per contest. He’s become a regular part of the team’s lineup, as he has now started 15 games in his rookie season.

Season Stats: 49 Games Played (15 starts), 7.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG

Nassir Little: Portland Trail Blazers

Little gave the Blazers some good minutes, scoring a total of 26 points in three games. He eclipsed 29 minutes of action in the last two games of the week, as he continues to see the floor more.

He’s been efficient in those limited scoring opportunities as well, as he went six-for-10 (60%) from three on the week. Little has become a vital role player for the Blazers and seems to be fully healed from his injury at this point.

Season Stats: 28 Games Played (1 start), 16.4 MPG, 6.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG

Theo Pinson: Dallas Mavericks

Same as Bradley, the former UNC basketball stud’s only chance to see the floor is in a blowout at this point.

Season Stats: 25 Games Played (0 starts), 5.3 MPG, 1.6 PPG, 1.1 RPG

Day’Ron Sharpe: Brooklyn Nets

Nic Claxton’s emergence continues to hurt Sharpe, as he played in just one game in the week. He was able to appear in 13 minutes against the Knicks, scoring six points and grabbing three rebounds.

Season Stats: 24 Games Played (1 Start), 8.6 MPG, 3.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG

Coby White: Chicago Bulls

Following his best week of the season, Coby White struggled mightily last week. In four games, he went 9-for-37 (24.3%) from the field while averaging six points per contest. On the plus side, he did average 21.8 minutes, as he continues to get playing time despite being in trade rumors continuously.

ESPN threw out the Phoenix Suns as a possible destination for White, which would include a Jae Crowder swap. That would reunite White with his former UNC basketball teammate, Cameron Johnson.

Season Stats: 41 Games Played (0 starts), 8.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.9 APG

Heels in the G-League

Garrison Brooks: Westchester Knicks

Brooks had an impressive performance on Tuesday, racking up 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. He failed to reach double digits in the next performance, totaling eight points and 14 rebounds.

Season Stats: 14.0 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 55.9 FG%