Tar Heels in NBA: Nance signs deal with Cavaliers; White stays consistent with Bulls; tough stretch for several UNC alums

By R.L. Bynum

With Coby White’s 25-point game Friday as the highlight on the court since the long holiday weekend began, there was a big highlight off the court with Pete Nance signing a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nance, who has spent the entire season to this point with the Cavaliers’ G League team, the Cleveland Charge, joins the roster of the franchise where his dad, Larry Nance, had a legendary career.

In 22 games for the Charge, Nance averaged 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 36.5 from 3-point range.

Nance collected 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the Charge’s 126–11 Monday loss at Westchester and had eight points, six rebounds, and three assists in Tuesday’s 125–117 win at Westchester.

On Saturday, he had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the Charge’s 120–94 home loss to the Texas Legends. For the Legends, Theo Pinson had 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists; Justin Jackson contributed nine points, eight rebounds, and two assists, and Tony Bradley was inactive for the game.

He’ll be with the Cavaliers (23–15, fourth in the Eastern Conference) for their home game Wednesday night at 7:30 against Milwaukee (ESPN).


White scored five 3-pointers in collecting 25 points in a 140–131 Friday home loss to Golden State, for his 21st game of at least 20 points this season. His 22.6 game score was the 10th game this season with at least 20.

White followed that up with 15 points in Saturday’s 122–116 win at San Antonio and 18 in Monday’s 109–91 loss at Cleveland.

The Chicago Sun-Times wrote about the tough lessons White is getting throughout the season.

You can watch White and the Bulls (19–24, ninth in the Eastern Conference) on TNT on Thursday night when they visit Toronto at 7:30.


Cole Anthony returned Monday to his favorite road venue, Madison Square Garden, and collected 15 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals in Orlando’s 98–94 win over New York.

The Magic (22–18, eighth in the Eastern Conference) lost in two earlier weekend games. Anthony scored five points in Friday’s 99–96 loss at Miami and 14 points in Saturday’s 112–100 defeat at Oklahoma City.


Sacramento (23–17, seventh in the Western Conference) and Harrison Barnes have been going through a tough stretch.

The Kings lost the last three games on a 2–3 road trip, with Barnes scoring four points in Friday’s 112–93 loss at Philadelphia, 14 points in Sunday’s 143–142 overtime defeat at Milwaukee and eight points in Tuesday’s 119–117 loss at Phoenix.

That Bucks game was the only time Barnes has scored in double figures in the last five games.


Leaky Black has been back with Charlotte (8–29, 13th in the Eastern Conference), scoring two points in seven minutes in Friday’s 135–99 loss at San Antonio and playing two scoreless minutes in Sunday’s 104–87 loss at Miami.


Houston (19–20, 10th in the Western Conference) continues to use Reggie Bullock sparingly. Bullock had three points and four rebounds in Friday’s 112–110 win at Detroit, three points and three rebounds in Saturday’s 145–114 defeat at Boston and didn’t play (coach’s decision) in Monday’s 124–115 loss at Philadelphia.


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Bullock has played more than nine minutes only three times since playing 12 minutes in back-to-back games in early November. He is battling lower back pain and will miss the Rockets’ game Wednesday at New York.


For the first time this season, Cameron Johnson has scored in single digits in back-to-back games for Brooklyn (16–23, 10th in the Eastern Conference). After scoring three points in the Nets’ Jan. 11 loss to Cleveland in Paris, he only had six points in Monday’s 96–85 overtime home loss to Miami.

Day’Ron Sharpe has missed the last two Nets games with a hyperextended left knee and is also out for Wednesday’s 10 p.m. game at Portland.


Walker Kessler had four points in both Utah’s 132–125 Saturday win over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Jazz’s 132–105 Monday win vs. Indiana. He had six rebounds against the Lakers and five rebounds and five blocks against the Pacers.

Utah (22–20, ninth in the Western Conference) was supposed to play Golden State on Wednesday night, but the NBA postponed the game after Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic died of a heart attack.


Playing time has been scarce of late for Nassir Little since he returned after missing seven games with left knee tendinitis.

After playing 4½ minutes on Jan. 11 in a road win over the Los Angeles Lakers, he hasn’t played (coach’s decision) for Phoenix (22–18, 8th in the Western Conference) in the last two games, Sunday’s 127–116 win at Portland and Tuesday’s 119–117 home victory over Sacramento.

Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs forward
Age 34 | 6–7, 225 | 15th season | $8 million salary | UNC 2010–12 (2 seasons)

Roster situation — Backup small forward
Final statistics last season — 77 games, 9.9 points, 45.6 FG%, 38.8 3P%, 82.9 FT%, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 18.0 minutes, 8.4 points, 34.6 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 88.9 FT%, 1.4 rebounds, 0.8 of an assist, 0.8 of a steal
Season statistics — 3 games, 1.0 point, 25.0 FG%, 25.0 3P%
Friday — Rockets 114, Spurs 110 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Saturday — Spurs 122, Mavericks 106 (road) | didn’t start: 3:57, 0 points, 0–1 FG, 0–1 3FG, +6
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Sacramento


Roster situation — Reserve; likely to play share of games in G League
Final G League statistics last season (Capital City) — 38 games, 10.3 points, 45.6 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 66.7 FT%, 7.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals
Final NBA statistics last season (Wizards) — 15 games, 7.1 points, 38.8 FG%, 34.5 3FG%, 87.5 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals
Preseason statistics — 3 games, 19.9 minutes, 7.7 points, 53.8 FG%, 62.5 3P%, 4–4 FT, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 of an assist, 1.3 steals
Friday — Blazers 128, Kings 120 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 9 p.m. Sunday vs. Memphis


Tony Bradley, Utah Jazz center
Age 28 | 6–10, 248 | 9th NBA season | $2.44 million salary | UNC 2016–17 (1 season)

Roster situation — Fifth-string center
Final statistics last season (Indiana, Atlanta) — 41 games, 4.0 points, 54.7 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 74.4 FT%, 2.8 rebounds
Preseason statistics (New York) — 3 games, 7.5 minutes, 5.3 points, 80.0 FG%, 0–1 FT, 1.7 rebounds
Friday — Jazz 120, Pelicans 119 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday vs. Los Angeles Lakers


Harrison Ingram, Utah Jazz forward
Age 24 | 6–6, 230 | 3rd pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)

Roster situation — Third-string forward fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
G League statistics last season (Austin) — 40 games, 16.6 points, 49.2 FG%, 34.0 3P%, 62.6 FT%, 12.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists
NBA statistics last season (Spurs) — 7 games, 1.6 points, 83.3 FG%, 1–1 3P
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 7.9 minutes, 19 points, 53.3 FG%, 1–3 3FG, 2–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Friday — Jazz 120, Pelicans 119 (home) | inactive for game
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday vs. Los Angeles Lakers


Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets forward
Age 30 | 6–8, 210 | 8th season | $22.5 million salary | UNC 2017–19 (2 seasons)

Roster situation — Starting small forward ahead of DeMar DeRozan
Final statistics last season — 54 games, 12.2 points, 48.0 FG%, 43.0 3P%, 83.9 FT%, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Team record last season: 54–28, 3rd in Western Conference
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 18.3 minutes, 10.0 points, 55.9 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 2.2 rebounds, 0.8 of an assist
Season statistics — 1 game, 5.0 points, 66.7 FG%, 1–4 3P, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Saturday — Nuggets 141, Pelicans 135 (home) | didn’t play (sprained right ankle)
Next game — 10 p.m. Monday vs. Golden State, Peacock, NBCSN


Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers center
Age 25 | 7–2, 245 | 5th season | $30.11 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)

Roster situation — Starting center ahead of Kevon Looney
Final statistics last season (Utah) — 5 games, 14.4 points, 70.3 FG%, 75.0 3P%, 70.0 FT%, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks
Preseason statistics — 2 games, 23.4 minutes, 8.5 points, 42.9 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 83.3 FT%, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.5 blocks
Season statistics — 2 games, 24.0 points, 84.6 FG%, 44.4 FT%, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steal, 4.0 blocks
Friday — Lakers 125, Clippers 117 (home) | started: 34:54, 22 points, 10–14 FG, 2–5 FT, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 6 blocks, 1 turnovers, 3 fouls, team-high +18
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday at Utah


Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
NBA season statistics last season — 49 games (limited to 50 under his two-way contract), 10.4 points, 38.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%, 73.5 FT%, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists
G League statistics last season — 10 games, 24.7 points, 43.3 FG%, 23.5 3P%, 75.8 FT%, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.6 turnovers
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 14.5 minutes, 5.5 points, 25.9 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 55.6 FT%, 1.0 rebound, 3.0 assists, 0.5 of a block
Saturday — (season debut) Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (home) | 30 seconds, no statistics
Next game — 7:30 Sunday vs. Detroit


Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
G League statistics last season — 12 games, 19.0 points, 53.7 FG%, 40.3 3P%, 78.9 FT%, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks
NBA statistics last season — 47 games, 5.4 points, 51.5 FG%, 42.0 3P%, 36.4 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 13.0 minutes, 4.0 points, 35.7 FG%, 30.0 3P%, 75.0 FT%, 3.2 rebounds
Saturday — Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (road) | inactive
Next game — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Indiana


Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot
Statistics last season (Vanderbilt) — 36 games, 36 starts, 13.5 points, 44.5 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 84.7 FT%, 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 of a steal
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 21.1 minutes, 16 points, 4–18 FG, 2–14 3FG, 6–7 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Friday — Celtics 107, Knicks 103 (road) | inactive for game
Next game — 7 p.m. Sunday vs. Orlando


Roster situation — Backup 2 guard behind Egor Demin
Final regular-season NBA statistics — 63 games, 6.5 points, 40.2 FG%, 28.0 3FG%, 89.6 FT%, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Final regular-season G League statistics — 5 games, 11.8 points, 44.2 FG%, 36.4 3FG%, 72.7 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 10.8 minutes, 4.0 points, 46.2 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 2–2 FT, 1.0 rebound
Saturday — Cavaliers 125, Nets 121 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 6 p.m. Sunday vs. Indiana


Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
G League statistics last season — 31 games, 20.9 points, 48.8 FG%, 42.2 3P%, 89.0 FT%, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals
NBA statistics last season — 11 games, 14.3 points, 52.0 FG%, 45.8 3P%, 92.3 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steal
Preseason statistics — 3 games, 15.9 minutes, 6.7 points, 46.2 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 57.1 FT%, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 of a steal
Saturday — Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (road) | inactive
Next game — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Indiana


Roster situation — Starting center ahead of Moritz Wagner
Final statistics last season — 62 games, 8.7 points, 60.1 FG%, 23.1 3FG%, 67.8 FT%, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals
Preseason statistics — 3 games, 18.8 minutes, 7.7 points, 55.6 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 25.0 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks
Season statistics — 2 games, 7.5 points, 46.7 FG%, 1–2 3P, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Saturday — Cavaliers 125, Nets 121 (road) | started: 22:40, 7 points, 3–10 FG, 1–2 3FG, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +6
Next game — 6 p.m. Sunday vs. Indiana


Coby White, Charlotte Hornets guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 210 | 8th season | $26.81 million salary | UNC 2018–19 (1 season)

Roster situation — Starting point guard ahead of Dennis Schroder
Statistics last season (Bulls, Hornets) — 50 games, 17.4 points, 44.6 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 81.7 FT%, 3.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Team record: 44–38, 9th in Eastern Conference
Saturday — Hornets 115, Heat 110 (home) | inactive: left calf strain
Next game — 7 p.m. Monday vs. Washington


Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls forward
Age 20 | 6–10, 215 | Rookie season | $10.68 million salary | UNC 2025–26 (1 season)

Roster situation — Starting power forward ahead of Patrick Williams
Statistics last season (UNC) — 24 games, 19.8 points, 57.8 FG%, 25.9 3P%, 71.3 FT%, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 26.5 minutes, 15.8 points, 44.1 FG%, 31.0 3P%, 55.6 FT%, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.6 of a steal
Season statistics — 3 games, 22.3 points, 40.7 FG%, 17.4 3P%, 78.9 FT%, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks
Saturday — Wizards 124, Bulls 120 (home) | started: 38:22, 30 points, 10–24 FG, 1–9 3FG, 9–11 FT, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, +14, 26.2 game score (tied for best college game score: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals in 87–74 win over Kansas on Nov. 7, 2025)
Next game — 7:30 Monday at Boston


Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept.15)

Guard RJ Davis by San Antonio (preseason statistics: 3 games, 8.8 minutes, 7 points, 27.3 FG%, 1–4 3FG, 0–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block)

Photo via @ChargeCLE

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