National Basketball Association

UNC in the NBA: 2016-2017 updates on Tar Heels

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The 2016-17 NBA season is finally here and that means more Heels in the NBA segments!

There are currently 14 Tar Heel alums playing the NBA as the 2016-17 season is officially underway.

Several players are not playing for their respective teams due to injury and others cannot crack the rotation on their teams. Nearly 20 Tar Heel alums play overseas for various teams as well.

This NBA season is one of the most-anticipated in a long time. Kevin Durant found a new home with the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to repeat and there’s a ton of talent in the rookie class.

But what about the Tar Heels?

In this article, we will take a look at the Tar Heel alums in the NBA.

Oct 28, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket past Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (3) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks, small forward, #40

Harrison Barnes left Golden State for the Lone Star State to play for the Dallas Mavericks.

Former Warriors’ teammate Andrew Bogut accompanied Barnes to ‘Big D.’ Barnes starts at the small forward position. He is poised for a breakout season, since he will be one of the primary scoring options including Dirk Nowitzki.

Barnes has started off this season by setting a season record in points with 31 points against the Houston Rockets.

In the first game of the season, Barnes had 19 points and nine rebounds against the Indiana Pacers.

Oct 26, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) handles the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Vince Carter, Memphis Grizzlies, shooting guard/small forward, #15

Vince Carter is the oldest player in the NBA.

At 39 years of age, Carter continues to play basketball at a high level. His all-star days are past him.

However, every now and then we will witness the old Vinsanity come out with a highlight reel dunk. Carter backs up Chandler Parsons at the small forward position. He even hinted that he might participate in the NBA Slam Dunk contest when it comes around in February.

This season, Carter is averaging four points and five rebounds in a couple of games.

Oct 27, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) and Damian Lillard (0) in the first at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Raymond Felton, Los Angeles Clippers, point guard, #2

Raymond Felton has switched teams again and landed in ‘The City of Angels.’

Yes, this season Felton will be a Clipper. Their resembles an ACC all-star team because so many former ACC basketball players are Clippers.

These players are Felton (North Carolina), Chris Paul (Wake Forest), J.J. Redick (Duke), Brice Johnson (North Carolina), Wesley Johnson (Syracuse) and Austin Rivers (Duke).

Felton is the back up point guard behind starter, Chris Paul. In recent years, Felton has seen time at the shooting guard position as well. Expect the same to take place for the Clippers.

For the 2016-2017 season, Felton has averaged four points and two assists in a couple of games.

Oct 26, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson #10 dribbles the ball up the court against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Kings defeated the Suns 113-94. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Tywon Lawson, Sacramento Kings, point guard, #10

Several years ago, Lawson was very close to becoming an all-star point guard. Some issues off the court almost derailed Lawson’s professional basketball career.

Tywon Lawson seems to be back on track this season. Lawson represents one of the best point guards in the history of UNC basketball. Currently, Lawson averages eight points, seven rebounds and 3.7 rebounds.

In 113-94 defeat of the Phoenix Suns, Lawson finished the game with nine points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block.

He followed up this performance with seven points, nine assists and four rebounds in a 102-94 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. In his third game this season, Lawson scored eight points, dished five assists along with three steals.

Lawson may be a steal for the Sacramento Kings. If he continues these impressive stats as a player off the bench, he may work his way back into a starting role.

Oct 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Marvin Williams, Charlotte Hornets, small forward/power forward, #2

Marvin Williams personifies the ideal ‘stretch four.’ Williams plays like a small forward, though he has the size of a power forward. He defends forwards and centers.

It is safe to say that Williams has revitalized his career in Charlotte. Williams is in his second season as a Charlotte Hornet.

He is arguably one of the best three-point shooters for the Hornets. This season, he has made 11 of his 28 three-point field goals (39%). Currently, he averages nine points and eight rebounds.

In Williams’ first game this season, he led Charlotte to a victory with a double-double (13 points and 11 rebounds).

Oct 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) and Brooklyn Nets forward Luis Scola (4) battle for a rebound in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Nets 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks, power forward, #31

John Henson is one of the best shot blockers in UNC basketball history. Prior to going pro in 2012, Henson was a first-team all-ACC player as a junior and second-team all-ACC player as a sophomore.

Henson continues to play for the team that drafted him in 2012, the Milwaukee Bucks. Henson averages 5.5 points, eight rebounds and one block per game. In his first game this season, he scored 10 points, blocked two shots and grabbed one rebound. I

n his second game against the Charlotte Hornets, Henson scored four points and had four rebounds.

In his most recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, Henson scored seven points, grabbed 12 rebounds, had three assists, two blocks, two steals and scored the game-winning shot (in the video below).