Nets’ swingman Theo Pinson went un-drafted coming out of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2018. But that never deterred him from what he knew he could be.
Pinson was North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball in 2014, a McDonald’s All-American and a highly touted college prospect. He suffered a broken bone in his foot during his freshman year which limited his development. Another broken bone in the same foot caused him to miss the first 16 games his junior season.
Unable to stay on the floor consistently due to injury forced Pinson to adjust his game and mindset.
Always the team player, he bought in wholeheartedly to Carolina head coach Roy Williams’ philosophy and did whatever it took to win games. He was a critical component to the TarHeels’ back to back Final Four runs and their national championship in 2017.
When the 2018 NBA draft concluded and Pinson’s name wasn’t called, he went to work. He joined the Nets summer league team and averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists over five games. Nets’ head coach Kenny Atkinson and his staff were impressed with all the things Pinson did on the floor to impact winning.
The Nets signed Pinson to a training camp contract and eventually converted it into a two-way deal. That meant Pinson would split time between the Nets and their G-league team.
The Nets suffered injuries to Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie during last season and that gave Pinson opportunities and he took advantage.
Not only was Pinson productive on the court, he became a leader of the “bench mob.” He’s a fan favorite with his celebrations for teammates, and is the living embodiment of the fabled team culture built by Atkinson and general manager Sean Marks.
The Nets rewarded Pinson by signing him to a two-year deal this summer and he’s thrilled.
“Last year helps me going into this year,” Pinson told BSO. “Last year I had a very small window of opportunity and I had to take advantage of that. This year I have a little more [leeway] now that I’m officially on the team. I’ve been with the team and coaches all summer and I’ve had a full summer with the team and the program. For us to win, it’s going to take something from all of us at some point.”
Winning is the ultimate goal for Pinson. He knows what his role is and that it’s about contributing in whatever way you can.
The NBA is a league full of players that are very accomplished and at one point or another, they were all “the guy” or the “best” player on a team. Knowing your role and how to contribute to winning is what allows guys to stay in the league according to Pinson.
“It’s hard. But at the same time, my big picture is to win. I’ve won at every single level and I want to win a championship. I would play whatever role is necessary for us to win. That’s the type of player that I am.”
Pinson knows the expectations will be high for the Nets. They signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the offseason.
When you bring in a two-time Finals MVP and a perennial all NBA player the intensity ratchets up. Pinson’s experience at Carolina and doing whatever was necessary for the team to win will serve him well on this club.
He’s excited for the challenge of building on last year’s playoff berth and working towards a championship.
The pickup games between the Nets’ players this summer have been intense and he’s especially enjoyed playing with and against Irving. Pinson’s locker is right next to Irving and he intends to soak up all he can.
Flip the page for Pinson’s full interview with BSO and his thoughts about being locker neighbors with Kyrie.
