All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Product Among Finalists for NBA Teammate Award

UNC basketball's Harrison Barnes is seven outings away from posting his second straight 82-game campaign.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes
Former UNC basketball forward Harrison Barnes / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Harrison Barnes doesn't consistently produce eye-popping stat lines these days. But in his 12th season in the NBA, the former two-year UNC basketball forward and 2012 lottery pick has played and started every game for the 2023-24 Sacramento Kings (44-31), tied with the Phoenix Suns at No. 7 in the Western Conference standings, as he continues to earn loads of respect from the franchise and its fans. He played all 82 regular-season games last season.

On Tuesday, the league recognized the 31-year-old's efforts by including him among the 12 finalists for the 2023-24 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. The honor, voted on by current players, goes to the "best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team."

The other 11 are Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Denver Nuggets), Mike Conley (Minnesota Timberwolves), Markelle Fultz (Orlando Magic), Al Horford (Boston Celtics), TJ McConnell (Indiana Pacers), Larry Nance Jr. (New Orleans Pelicans), Georges Niang (Cleveland Cavaliers), Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks), and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder).

Since the award's inception for the 1995-96 season, the hardware has gone to only one UNC basketball product: Vince Carter, then with the Atlanta Hawks, in 2019-20.

As a durable veteran presence for the upstart Kings this season, Harrison Barnes is averaging 12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 39.9 percent beyond the arc.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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