The UNC basketball program has had plenty of players go on to have successful NBA careers. Which former Tar Heels have had the best professional careers?
Over the years, fans of the UNC basketball program have had the pleasure of watching former Tar Heels put together successful professional careers in the NBA.
There have been over 100 former Tar Heels that have suited up for NBA squads. Plenty of them have put together impressive resumes, which makes it difficult to decide on the top among former UNC basketball standouts.
The two at the top of the list won’t surprise anyone, but the rest could certainly be up for debate. We decided to rank our top 15 list, one that features plenty of individual accomplishments, longevity as well as some players who made a habit out of winning.
Before we get into our rankings, let’s identify some of the guys who just missed the cut.
Greatest UNC basketball NBA careers honorable mentions
There were a few former Tar Heels that came up just short of making our top 15 list.
Let’s start with Raymond Felton, who had high expectations as the fifth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. Although he never developed into an NBA star, Felton put together a solid 14-year career playing for seven different franchises.
After starting his career with the Boston Celtics, Rick Fox went on to be a main contributor for the Celtics’ biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. During his seven seasons in Los Angeles, Fox helped the Lakers bring home three consecutive NBA titles.
Danny Green is still an active player but has proven to be a strong contributor for championship clubs. The former Tar Heel has won three NBA titles with three different organizations, as his three-point shooting and defensive ability have been areas that he’s thrived in over his 13-year career.
Marvin Williams doesn’t have the postseason resume as guys like Fox and Green, but still put together a strong 15-year career. In 1,072 games, Williams was a starter in 828 of them, as he averaged 10.2 points and 4 rebounds per-game playing for four different franchises.
Now, let’s get to our list, starting at No. 15.
No. 15: Kenny “The Jet” Smith
Career Stats: 12.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 48.0 FG%, 39.9 3PT%
Kenny “The Jet” Smith was a 10-year NBA veteran that was part of two championship squads with the Houston Rockets.
Originally the No. 6 overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, Smith spent his first three seasons in the league with Sacramento before finding a home in Houston. His best statistical season occurred in his first season with the Rockets, as he averaged 17.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game en route to helping the organization win 52 contests.
Although he put up good numbers for the Kings, Smith’s NBA career will be remembered by his six-year stint in Houston.
No. 14: Bobby Jones
Career Stats: 11.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 55.0 FG%
Known as the “Secretary of Defense,” Bobby Jones made a name for himself as one of the top defenders in the sport during his time in professional basketball.
His career began in the ABA but transitioned to the NBA as part of the merger just two seasons in. The former Tar Heel made his mark on both leagues as he put together a long, successful professional career.
Jones spent ten seasons in the NBA, as he earned eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He won an NBA championship with the 76ers in 1983, the same season he became the league’s first-ever Sixth Man of the Year Award recipient. Over his career, he was a four-time All-Star and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2019 class.
No. 13: Sam Perkins
Career Stats: 11.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 45.9 FG%, 36.2 3PT%
The top of the 1984 NBA Draft was owned by UNC basketball standouts, as Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins heard their names called back-to-back with the third and fourth overall selections.
Over 19 seasons in the NBA, Perkins’ teams were very successful in the regular season, as he appeared in the postseason 15 times. Unfortunately, the former Tar Heel never won a title, as both times he played in the finals (1991 and 1996), his teams lost (we think you probably know to who!).
Perkins was a standout player for the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers before he made his way to join the Seattle Supersonics. While in Seattle, Perkins added an element to his game, as he became a consistent scorer from beyond the arc.
In three consecutive seasons, Perkins knocked down over 100 three-pointers, as his ability to stretch the floor became an asset not only for him but for the Supersonics as well.
Although he always seemed to be “second fiddle” to Jordan, Perkins put together a very strong 17-year career in the NBA.
No. 12: Harrison Barnes
Career Stats: 14.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 45.5 FG%, 37.8 3PT%
Harrison Barnes is the only active player to make our top 15 list, as the former Tar Heel could potentially move up the list before his career comes to an end.
The former first-round pick just recently wrapped up his tenth season in the NBA, as the 30-year-old is preparing to hit the free agent market. His resume should be very enticing to plenty of teams, as he’s a veteran player who still brings a lot to the table.
Barnes’ journey started with the Golden State Warriors, as he helped guide the franchise to an NBA title in 2015. He ended up signing with the Dallas Mavericks and spent three seasons with the organization before being traded to his most recent stop, the Sacramento Kings.
The former Tar Heel has played a major role in helping the organization rebuild, as they are now in a position to be strong playoff contenders over the next few seasons. Along with his on-court production, Barnes has been a veteran leader for the group, as he’s helped the team’s young talent grow both on and off the basketball court.
With a few more successful seasons in the future, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Barnes challenge for a top 10 spot on this list.
No. 11: Rasheed Wallace
Career Stats: 14.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 46.7 FG%, 33.6 3PT%
Rasheed Wallace put together a strong 16-year career in the NBA. He certainly won’t go down as the most beloved player of all time, but his play on the court certainly tells the tale of his career.
A former first-round pick, Wallace played for six different organizations. He made his mark with the Portland Trail Blazers, as his best statistical seasons came during his eight seasons with the organization. However, as good as he was in Portland, he became a vital piece to the Detroit Pistons franchise, as he helped them win the 2004 NBA Finals.
Overall, Wallace finished his career with four NBA All-Star appearances to his name. At the time of his retirement, Wallace was the only player in NBA history to record multiple seasons with 100 blocks and 100 three-pointers, as he accomplished this feat on four separate occasions.
No. 10: Charlie Scott
Career Stats: 17.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 44.4 FG%, 18.2 3 PT%
Not only was Charlie Scott the first African-American scholarship player with the UNC basketball program, but also went on to put together a Hall of Fame career in the pros.
Scott began his professional career in the ABA and absolutely dominated. Over his two seasons in the ABA, Scott averaged a very impressive 30.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Once he transitioned to the NBA, Scott was still a quality player, as his best seasons in the league came while as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He went on to play for the Boston Celtics and was a major piece of the organization’s 1976 championship squad.
Overall, Scott earned five All-Star appearances (three in the NBA) over his 10-year career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2018 class.
No. 9: Brad Daugherty
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 53.2 FG%
Daugherty was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft and went on to spend his entire eight-year career with the team that drafted him, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A five-time NBA All-Star, Daugherty made five playoff appearances with the Cavaliers but never captured a title of his own. In three of those five instances, another former Tar Heel came out on top, as Jordan and the Bulls defeated Daugherty and the Cavaliers in three of those seasons.
Due to back problems, Daugherty’s career didn’t last as long as it could’ve. If it wasn’t for injuries, Daugherty likely would’ve played longer and had much more success, making himself a case to be even higher on this list.
Daugherty finished his career as the Cavaliers’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
No. 8: Jerry Stackhouse
Career Stats: 16.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 40.9 FG%, 31.0 3PT%
Before finding a second calling as a college basketball coach, Jerry Stackhouse enjoyed a long, successful playing career in the NBA.
After being selected with the third overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, Stackhouse played 18 seasons in the league for eight different organizations. He started his career in Philadelphia, but he really took off once he arrived in Detroit as a member of the Pistons organization.
During the 2000-01 season, Stackhouse led the league in total points and finished second overall in points per game (29.8). He also added 5.1 assists per game, 1.2 steals, and shot 35.1 percent behind the arc. One of his most memorable games came during this season, as the former Tar Heel scored a career-high 57 points in a game against the Bulls.
No. 7: Billy Cunningham
Career Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 44.6 FG%
The “Kangaroo Kid” isn’t just a UNC basketball legend.
In fact, Cunningham earned a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, showing just how great his NBA career was.
Another Tar Heel selected in the top five of the NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers took him with the fourth overall pick. He went on to earn NBA All-Rookie First Team honors as his career skyrocketed from there.
Cunningham was a player who did a little bit of everything for his team.
During the 1966-67 season, Cunningham helped guide the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA title after dominating the regular season with a 68-13 record. It’s crazy to believe that Cunningham, who is considered an all-time great, was a key reserve on this team given the amount of talent they possessed!
His best statistical season came in 1969-70 when he averaged 26.1 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Overall, he went to five All-Star games (four in the NBA) and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986.
No. 6: Walter Davis
Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 51.1 FG%
Walter Davis didn’t take long to become a star for the Phoenix Suns organization.
After being selected with the fifth overall pick of the 1977 NBA Draft, Davis won the league’s Rookie of the Year Award and was named to the All-Rookie First Team. It was a sign of good things to come for the former Tar Heel, who was on the verge of a 15-year career, most of which was spent where it started.
To this day, Davis is the Suns’ all-time leading scorer (15,666 points). To put it into perspective, no other player in franchise history has even reached the 14,000-point mark, which goes to show that his record could still be safe for some time.
Even while dealing with injuries (most notably a back problem), Davis was able to average double-digit points in 13 of his 15 seasons in the NBA.
No. 5: Bob McAdoo
Career Stats: 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 50.3 FG%
Another Hall of Famer among this impressive list, Bob McAdoo might be even higher on this list if he didn’t leave the NBA to finish his career in Italy.
McAdoo was dominant right out of the gate, winning the Rookie of the Year Award during his first season with the Buffalo Braves. As a follow-up, the former Tar Heel won three consecutive scoring titles to go along with an MVP award.
During his MVP season in 1974-1975, McAdoo averaged 34.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. His 14.1 rebounds per contest were his second-highest rebound average in a single season, as the prior year he hauled in over 15 boards per game.
Near the end of his NBA career, McAdoo found his way to Los Angeles, as he took on a reserve role with the Lakers. He helped the organization secure two championships in a span of four seasons, as he made the most of his role of coming off the bench.
McAdoo made five NBA All-Star Teams, was a two-time All-NBA selection, and also was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
No. 4: Antawn Jamison
Career Stats: 18.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 45.1 FG%, 34.6 3PT%
Our next two players on the list will always be connected to each other more than just the fact that they both wore Carolina Blue.
Antawn Jamison was drafted by the Toronto Raptors but was traded to the Golden State Warriors. In return, the Warriors traded the draft rights to Jamison’s former Tar Heel teammate Vince Carter to Toronto.
Jamison would not play a full season until 2000-2001, a year when he showed what he was capable of. The former Tar Heel averaged 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, as his production showed that he had a bright future ahead.
During that season, he became the first player to score 50 or more points in back-to-back games since another Tar Heel, of course, Michael Jordan, accomplished the feat in 1986-87.
After a brief stint in Dallas, Jamison found a home in Washington, as he spent six seasons with the Wizards. His career included a three-year stop in Cleveland, as well as one-year stints with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
Overall, Jamison scored 20,042 points and recorded 8,157 rebounds over his impressive career.
No. 3: Vince Carter
Career Stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 43.5 FG%, 37.1 3PT%
Vinsanity.
The human highlight reel himself put on a show in the NBA for 22 seasons, as his resume will most likely earn him a spot in the NBA Hall of Fame in the near future.
From winning the 1998-1999 NBA Rookie of the Year Award to his eight NBA All-Star Game appearances, Carter was a star in the league, most notably for the Toronto Raptors and the New Jersey Nets.
After starring in his first two stops, Carter began to transition more into a reserve role. Not only was his production still solid, but his leadership qualities stood out tremendously, as he took on a mentoring role for some of the league’s up-and-coming players.
Carter finished his career with 25,728 points, which currently has him among the top 20 players of all time. If you weren’t lucky enough to witness VC during his prime, just YouTube his name to see some of the tremendous highlight-reel plays that he put together, especially during the early part of his outstanding career.
No. 2: James Worthy
Career Stats: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 52.1 FG%
As we stated earlier, the top two spots on this list are not up for debate.
James Worthy made his name in the postseason, as he earned the nickname “Big Game James.” He helped the Los Angeles Lakers win three NBA titles, as he was named the finals MVP for the 1987-1988 series.
Worthy put together a Hall of Fame career, earning seven All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, as the 1982 No. 1 overall pick certainly lived up to the hype.
It’s safe to say that Worthy would own the top spot on this type of list for a good number of other college programs.
However, the University of North Carolina is home to the G.O.A.T….
No. 1: Michael Jordan
Career stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 49.7 FG%, 32.7 3PT%
Was there ever a doubt?!
Not only is Michael Jordan the top former UNC basketball player to play in the NBA, but he is also the greatest player in the sport’s illustrious history.
Just look at the numbers:
14-time All-Star
11-time All-NBA
10-time Scoring Champion
9-time All-Defensive Team
5-time Most Valuable Player
3-time Steals Leader
3-time All-Star Game MVP
And let’s not forget:
6-time NBA Champion
6-time NBA Finals MVP
Do we need to say more?
Let’s remember: this man retired from the sport after a “three-peat.” He returned almost a year and a half later and he picked up right where he left off, putting together another streak of three titles in a row.
You could go on for days about Michael Jordan’s greatness, but it was never a doubt that he owns the top spot on this list.