By R.L. Bynum
There were significant changes for the Tar Heels in the offseason, with Harrison Barnes, Nassir Little and Leaky Black changing teams and a Chicago departure setting up the Bulls as Coby White’s team.
Most teams had their media days on Monday and opened camp on Tuesday.
The preseason starts Friday and Sunday with the reigning champion Boston Celtics playing exhibitions against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The rest of the league starts preseason play next week. Opening-day rosters are set on Oct. 21, with openers on Oct. 22.
Three rookies are going through their first NBA camps, with Armando Bacot at Memphis, Cormac Ryan in Oklahoma City and Harrison Ingram in San Antonio, where Sacramento dealt Barnes as part of a three-team deal in July.
Phoenix waived Little in August after he played sparingly with the Suns and he signed last month with the Miami Heat. After one season, the Charlotte Hornets waived Black, and he signed late last month with the Washington Wizards.
Fifth-year Orlando guard Cole Anthony, sixth-year Brooklyn forward Cameron Johnson, third-year Utah center Walker Kessler, second-year Cleveland center Pete Nance, fourth-year Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe and White are back with the same teams.
After getting limited playing time last season in Houston, 11-year NBA veteran Reggie Bullock hasn’t signed with a team. Also unsigned are three players who played last season in the G League for the Texas Legends — forward Justin Jackson (who played briefly last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves), guard Theo Pinson and center Tony Bradley.
On July 8, the Kings sent Barnes to San Antonio in a three-team deal, with Chris Duarte and two second-round draft picks going to the Bulls and DeMar DeRozan going from Chicago to Sacramento.
That last part significantly increased White’s role in Chicago this season. DeRozan was the Bulls’ best player and the focus of their offense. White has taken both roles this season, and you could call the Bulls his team.
“I’m used to playing different roles,” said White (his part of the press conference in the above video starts at the 1-hour, 13-minute mark), who will likely play a lot at the 2 spot. “I’ve been doing that my whole career. On the ball, off the ball, whatever it may be, I think I’ve thrived in multiple roles. I’m excited. It’s a different opportunity to learn coming off last year, stepping into a new role.
“Would I want to have the ball in my hands all the time? Sure. But that’s not realistic. We’ve got other good guards on this team that are just as good with the ball in their hands. Me, I’m doing what’s best for the team.”
Last season, White averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the floor — all career highs — making 37.6% of his 3-point attempts and shooting 83.8% from the free-throw line.
At 24 years old, White says it’s “kind of wild” to be in a leadership role.
“But it’s a blessing for me to be in the best league in the world and be considered a leader on the team,” White said. “I’m never going to take it for granted. I’m going to do my best for my teammates, always going to put them first.”
He’s already become a big fan favorite, and “Co-by, Co-by” chants rang down in Chicago when he scored 42 points against Atlanta in the Bulls’ 131–116 play-in game victory on April 18.
“When opportunity knocks, some people are ready to step through that door,” teammate Zach LaVine said. “Coby has always been ready for that. Talk about his leadership? He’s been doing that the last couple years. Coby is a very outspoken person and somebody we can count on for consistency, not just with his play but with his personality and the way he talks.
“That’s going to be great for us. Coby is only going to get better and better. I’ve been one of his biggest supporters since he was a rookie, and I can’t wait to see where it keeps going.”
Barnes and Ingram are part of a Spurs team built around center Victor Wembanyama, with some new faces, including veteran point guard Chris Paul.
“I think the difference between me and CP is like seven years, and the difference between me and Jeremy [Sochan] is like 11 years,” Barnes said. “We have a wide spectrum of guys on this roster, but I think the biggest thing is just establishing habits. It’s how you continue to get better every day and judge yourself on an internal metric versus trying to see external approval, right? That’s what you try to do every single day in this league. It’s difficult, especially as a young guy trying to get established and things like that, but I think for all of our guys, just trending in the right direction is gonna pay dividends for us now and for the long term.”
Ingram will be battling for playing time at power forward after averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds in his only season at Carolina. In a clip the Spurs posted on X (formerly Twitter), he sounded eager to get going.
Little is back in his home state with his third NBA team. He grew up in Florida and attended high school in Orlando before playing his one season at Carolina.
At Heat media day, he said he worked out with four teams before signing with the Miami Heat, although it’s a non-guaranteed contract. He’ll no doubt hope to get more of a chance to play after averaging only 10.2 minutes over 45 games for Phoenix.
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“They wanted me here the most,” Little said. “I feel they value the type of player I am the most.”
Black likely will play some with the Wizards’ G League team, the Capital Go-Go, but hopes to stick on the NBA roster.
Ryan averaged 12.7 minutes, 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds for the Thunder’s Summer League team. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract and will likely play a good bit with Oklahoma City’s G League team, the OKC Blue.
G League training camp opens on Oct. 28.
Bacot will battle for a roster spot in Memphis, which also welcomed rookie center Zach Edney.
Johnson is expected to start at small forward for Brooklyn after averaging 13.4 points and shooting 39.1% from 3-point range, while Sharpe will be the Nets’ backup center behind Nic Claxton.
Also expected to be a backup center is Walker Kessler, who is in his third season and will likely play behind former Wake Forest big man John Collins.
Anthony again is expected to come off the bench for Orlando as he begins his fifth season with the Magic after averaging 11.6 points last season.
Tar Heels on NBA preseason rosters
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
Leaky Black, Sacramento Kings guard
Age 27 | 6–6, 209 | 4th season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2018–23 (5 seasons)
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)
Sunday — Grizzlies 123, Kings 112 (home) | 1 second, +1
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday at San Antonio
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)
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (home) | not active for game
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Memphis
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
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (home) | inactive for game
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Memphis
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 — 3 games, 16.7 points, 82.1 FG%, 44.4 FT%, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steal, 3.0 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
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (road) | started: 28:28, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, +6
Next game — 11 p.m. Tuesday vs. Portland
Caleb Love, Philadelphia 76ers guard
Age 25 | 6–3, 212 | 2nd season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2020–23 (3 seasons)
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
Sunday — Pistons 106, Sixers 93 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Indiana, ESPN
Pete Nance, Milwaukee Bucks center
Age 25 | 6–9, 225 | 3rd season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
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
Tyler Nickel, New York Knicks forward
Age 23 | 6–7, 220 | rookie season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
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
Sunday — Magic 111, Knicks 102 (home) | inactive for game
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Detroit, NBC, Peacock
Drake Powell, Brooklyn Nets forward
Age 21 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $3.54 million salary | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
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)
Sunday — (season debut) Pacers 136, Nets 109 (home) | didn’t start: 12:21, 0 points, 0–2 FT, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, -7
Next game — 7:30 Tuesday at Boston
Cormac Ryan, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Age 26 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $680,984 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
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
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 25 | 6–10, 265 | 6th season | $10 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)
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 — 3 games, 8.7 points, 52.6 FG%, 2–3 3P, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 block
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
Sunday — Pacers 136, Nets 109 (home) | started: 16:12, 11 points, 3–4 FG, 1–1 3FG, 4–7 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -13
Next game — 7:30 Tuesday at Boston
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
Likely out for season
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept.15)
Waived in training camp
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 @chicagobulls
