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.

Cole Anthony, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Age 25 | 6–2, 185 | 6th season | $2.67 million salary | UNC 2019–20 (1 season)

Roster situation — Third-string point guard behind Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins
Season statistics 33 games, 6.9 points, 43.2 FG%, 31.4 3P%, 61.5 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Team record: 18–28, 12th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 139–122 loss at Philadelphia 14:13, 10 points, 3–8 FG, 1–2 3FG, 3–4 FT, 1 rebound, 1 asisst, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -17
Thursday: 109–99 loss at Washington 17:36, 5 points, 2–11 FG, 1–6 3FG, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, -9
Next game 3:30 Sunday at Boston, ESPN


Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs forward
Age 33 | 6–7, 225 | 14th season | $19 million salary | UNC 2010–12 (2 seasons)

Roster situation Starting power forward ahead of Keldon Johnson
Season statistics 46 games, 10.6 points, 43.6 FG%, 36.0 3P%, 87.3 FT%, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Team record: 32–15, 2nd in Western Conference
Wednesday: 111–99 win at Houston —Started; 28:46, 9 points, 4–6 FG, 1–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 foul, +1
Next game 3 p.m. Saturday at Charlotte, Prime Video


Roster situation — Third-string center behind Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson
Season statistics — 38 games, 4.0 points, 55.7 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 74.4 FT%, 2.8 rebounds
Team record: 12–36, 14th in Eastern Conference
Wednesday: 113–110 win vs. Chicago — Didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Atlanta


Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets forward
Age 29 | 6–8, 210 | 7th season | $22.54 million salary | UNC 2017–19 (2 seasons)

Roster situation Starting small forward ahead of Tim Hardaway Jr.
Season statistics 28 games, 11.7 points, 46.1 FG%, 42.9 3P%, 81.0 FT%, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Team record: 32–16, 3rd in Western Conference
Out for at least a month with a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee


Roster situation Backup point guard behind Deni Avdija/fourth-string 2 guard
Season statistics — 39 games, 11.3 points, 39.3 FG%, 32.8 3P%, 74.4 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Team record: 23–24, 9th in Western Conference
Monday: 102–94 loss at Boston Didn’t start; 25:45, 11 points, 5–14 FG, 1–7 3FG, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, -1
Next game 7:30 Friday at New York


Season G League statistics — 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
Season NBA statistics — 16 games, 3.5 points, 56.1 FG%, 47.6 3P%, 1.5 rebounds, 0.4 of an assist
Team record: 18–28, 12th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 139–122 loss at Philadelphia 2:23, 2 points, 1–2 FG, -3
Thursday: 109–99 loss at Washington 20:08, 13 points, 6–10 FG, 1–3 3FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 fouls, -1
Next game 3:30 Sunday at Boston, ESPN


Roster situation Starting shooting guard
Season statistics 35 games, 6.2 points, 43.9 FG%, 30.7 3FG%, 90.2 FT%, 1.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Team record: 12–34, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 106–102 loss at Phoenix Started; 8:28, 1 turnover, -9
Thursday: 107–103 loss at Denver Didn’t start; 19:59, 7 points, 2–5 FG, 1–3 3FG, 2–2 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, -11
Next game 9:30 Friday at Utah


Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 24 | 6–9, 265 | 5th season | $6.25 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)

Roster situation Backup center behind Nic Claxton
Season statistics 44 games, 7.8 points, 60.3 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 67.0 FT%, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Team record: 12–34, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 106–102 loss at Phoenix Didn’t start; 19:19, 7 points, 3–5 FG, 1–2 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 foul, +5
Thursday: 107–103 loss at Denver Didn’t start; 16:59, 7 points, 3–5 FG, 1–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, -12
Next game 9:30 Friday at Utah


Coby White, Chicago Bulls forward
Age 25 | 6–4, 195 | 7th season | $12.88 million salary | UNC 2018–19 (1 season)

Roster situation Starting shooting guard ahead of Ayo Dosunmu
Season statistics — 27 games, 18.6 points, 44.4 FG%, 36.1 3PFG, 79.9 FT%, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Team record: 23–25, 10th in Eastern Conference
Wednesday: 113–110 loss at Indiana Started; 31:34, 14 points, 5–15 FG, 1–5 3FG, 3–4 FT, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 fouls, -9
Thursday: 116–113 loss vs. Miami Started; 31:34, 14 points, 2–11 FG, 2–8 3FG, 8–10 FT, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, +5
Next game 8 p.m. Saturday at Miami


Out for season

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (torn labrum in left shoulder); season statistics: 5 games, 14.4 points, 70.3 FG%, 75.0 3P%, 70.0 FT%, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks


Season statistics — 27 games, 11.1 points, 46.2 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 68.0 FT%, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.0 steals
Thursday: (at) Austin Spurs 110, Capital City 103 Started; 37 minutes, 15 points, 6–11 FG, 3–7 3FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 fouls, 2 blocks, -4
Friday: Capital City 112, (at) Austin Spurs 96 Started; 36 minutes, 10 points, 4–11 FG, 2–5 3FG, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 1 block, +24
Next game 8 p.m. Friday vs. Wisconsin Herd


Season statistics — 26 games, 5.3 points, 44.3 FG%, 36.8 3P%, 68.4 FT%, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.4 of a block
Wednesday: 115–97 win vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce Inactive for game
Next game 7 p.m. Friday at Noblesville Boom


Season statistics — 27 games, 18.4 points, 43.4 FG%, 39.3 3P%, 87.7 FT%, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: 121–107 win vs. College Park Skyhawks Started; 30 minutes, 21 points, 7–18 FG, 3–7 3FG, 2–3 FT, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +17
Thursday: 125–118 win vs. Salt Lake City Stars Started; 34 minutes, 30 points, 11–22 FG, 4–7 3FG, 2–2 FT, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, +24
Next game 8:30 Saturday vs. Salt Lake City Stars


Season NBA statistics — 3 games, 11 minutes, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, +13
Season G League statistics — 21 games, 14.6 points, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3P%, 60.0 FT%, 11.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: 116–107 win at Valley Suns Started; 27 minutes, 9 points, 4–12 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1–3 FT, 12 rebounds, 5 assist, 2 fouls 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +5
Thursday: 119–115 loss vs. Stockton Kings Started; 30 minutes, 15 points, 5–14 FG, 0–1 3FG, 3–5 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 turnover, -5
Next game 11:30 a.m. Wednesday vs. Texas Legends


Season statistics — 21 games, 20.0 points, 49.5 FG%, 40.4 3P%, 92.5 FT%, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals
Thursday: Noblesville Boom 95, Wisconsin 90 Started; 31 minutes, 23 points, 9–12 FG, 5–8 3FG, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -2
Saturday: Noblesville Boom 117, Wisconsin 115 Started; 37 minutes, 25 points, 8–13 FG, 3–5 3FG, 3–3 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 6 turnovers, -17
Next game 2 p.m. Friday at Capital City Go-Go


Photo via @ChargeCLE

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