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Former UNC basketball players in the NBA for 2026-27 season
Sep 28, 2026; Chiacgo, Il, USA;  Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) poses during media day.  Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

While we continue to wait for the new college basketball season to tip off, the NBA is officially underway with Opening Night taking place on Tuesday. As the New York Knicks raise their banner, the rest of the league will tip off on Wednesday night.

That includes some former North Carolina Tar Heels standouts. There are 13 former Tar Heels in the NBA to begin the season, and to make it easy, we put together a list of the players and where they are currently.

Here is a look at former UNC players on NBA rosters at the moment.

Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls)

Caleb Wilson is entering his first season in the NBA after he was selected No. 4 overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Henri Veesaar (Atlanta Hawks)

Feb 23, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) shoots a three point shot as Louisville Cardinals forward Vangelis Zougris (53) defends in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Henri Veesaar was selected in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. But he suffered an injury early in training camp and is expected to miss the entire season.

Drake Powell (Brooklyn Nets)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Drake Powell #4 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Dillon Jones #1 of the New York Knicks in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A former five-star recruit, Drake Powell was taken No. 22 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by Brooklyn.

Caleb Love (Philadelphia 76ers)

Jan 11, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love (2) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Former North Carolina and Arizona standout Caleb Love is on a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Delaware Blue Coats.

Harrison Ingram (Utah Jazz)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 27: Harrison Ingram speaks to the media after being selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 48th pick during the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft at ESPN Seaport District Studios on June 27, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Harrison Ingram was a second-round pick of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2024 NBA Draft. After two seasons there with limited playing time, he's now in Utah looking for a fresh start.

Cormac Ryan (Milwaukee Brewers)

Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cormac Ryan (30) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Guard Cormac Ryan spent one season at North Carolina but he was a huge pickup for that roster. After his time at Stanford, Notre Dame, and Carolina, he went undrafted and has spent time in the NBA and the G League. He's with the Milwaukee Bucks again this season.

Leaky Black (Sacramento Kings/Stockton Kings)

Dec 30, 2019; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Leaky Black (1) brings the ball up court against the Yale Bulldogs in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

The former North Carolina forward went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but signed a two-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets. He's been back-and-forth from the NBA to the G League and this year he's with the Sacramento Kings organization.

Pete Nance (Milwaukee Bucks)

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 25: Pete Nance #32 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after making a three-point basket against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 25, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Pete Nance spent just one season at North Carolina after transferring from Northwestern. He signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks just two days before the 2026-27 season.

Day'Ron Sharpe (Brooklyn Nets)

Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The former five-star recruit spent just one season at North Carolina from 2021 to 2022. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and then had his draft rights traded to Brooklyn. In Summer 2026, Sharpe re-signed with the Nets on a two-year, $20 million contract.

Cameron Johnson (Denver Nuggets)

Mar 11, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) reacts in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

After two seasons at North Carolina, Cameron Johnson was a lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, going to the Phoenix Suns at No. 11 overall. He was traded to Brooklyn and then before last season, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets where he will have a key role.

Coby White (Charlotte Hornets)

Feb 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) moves the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The former No. 7 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls was traded back home at last season's trade deadline, landing with the Charlotte Hornets. He earned a new deal in the offseason and is expected to be a key piece this season.

Tony Bradley (Utah Jazz)

Jan 17, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls center Tony Bradley (13) shoots the ball during the second half against the Memphis Grizzles at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The center was one-and-done at North Carolina and has bounced around the league. But this season he's back with the team he got his start with, the Utah Jazz.

Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs)

May 20, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends during the second quarter during game two of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The longest-tenured former Tar Heel in the NBA, Harrison Barnes is entering year 15. He's going into his third season with the Spurs and is hoping to get them back to the NBA Finals.

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