Theo Pinson brought a little bit of everything to the UNC men’s basketball program from 2014-2018.
Pinson steadily improved his scoring ability over his four years, averaging a collegiate-high 10.3 points per game during the Tar Heels’ national championship season in 2017-2018, but he was primarily known for his passing, defense and occasional thunderous dunks.
No one selected Pinson in the 2018 NBA Draft, but he signed with the Brooklyn Nets as an undrafted free agent. Pinson also played with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, recording his first career triple-double during the Mavs’ last game of their 2022-2023 campaign.
Pinson re-joined the Texas Legends, Dallas’ G-League affiliate, on October 29 last year in hopes of one day being promoted to the Mavericks.
His latest effort might earn him a call-up.
On Friday, Feb. 9 in Texas’ 135-128 over the Memphis Hustle, Pinson recorded a double-double by scoring 11 points and dishing out a whopping 20 assists.
FRANCHISE RECORD 2️⃣0️⃣ ASSISTS!!!
Where were you when @tpinsonn had an 11p, 7r, 20a night?
— Texas Legends (@TexasLegends) February 10, 2024
In Pinson’s highlights above, the thing you can easily identify most is his exceptional passing ability – particularly in the full-court. You might also recognize one recipient of Pinson’s dimes – Justin Jackson, another former Tar Heel.
Pinson might be hard-pressed for playing time in Dallas, as their guard and forward rotation includes stars Luke Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the newly-acquired PJ Washington, but Pinson at least warrants a look.
I’m not saying he needs to start in the NBA, but Pinson would certainly provide valuable minutes off the bench.
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