UNC Basketball: Theo Pinson’s playmaking impacting others

Theo Pinson’s return has been huge for the Heels, but it has been big on one player in particular

Theo Pinson’s return was a much heralded one for the Tar Heel fans.

Pinson missed the first sixteen games of the season, in which the Heels went 13-3. While Pinson has not had a huge effect on the box score this season, his effect on the game outside the box score is huge.

Pinson is only averaging five points, six rebounds, and four assists, in his four games back. But his biggest effect on the game can be found in somebody else: Isaiah Hicks.

Hicks was underperforming this year before the return of Pinson. Isaiah was averaging 12 points per game, on 61% shooting. He was also not getting to the line as much as a big should, averaging three free throws a game.

Hicks has been averaging 17 points, on 68% shooting since Pinson returned. Hicks also has found himself on the free throw line much more, doubling his attempts from three to six a game.

While sample size on this is small, there are reasons to believe Hicks’ performance could see a permanent boost. Theo’s return put the Heels best passer back in the lineup, allowing Hicks to catch the ball in his spots. For majority post players, it is all about where they catch the ball.

This is not a knock on any other of the Tar Heels’ guards. Pinson is the tallest guard on the team, by two inches, giving him the ability to see over the defense.

One of the most constant things Pinson would do last year was throw the lob to Brice Johnson.

This season, it seems as if Pinson has found his new lob-mate.

This is not the first time we have seen a two-way impact like this on a Tar Heel team. Back in 2010-11 the same thing happened with Kendall Marshall, and Harrison Barnes.

In their freshman season, Harrison Barnes was a lock to start, but Kendall Marshall, not so much. Marshall served as the backup point guard to Larry Drew for the first part of the season.

Drew struggled, and Marshall showed flashes of his brilliance, and replaced Drew in the starting lineup mid-way through the season. After that, Drew proceeded to transfer out of the program.

Before Marshall became the starter, Harrison Barnes got off to a slow start.  The heralded freshman only averaged 12 points per game.

When Marshall became the starter, an instant jump came in Barnes’ production. Barnes went from 12 to 19 points per game.

Barnes became a much better player when he had a playmaker who could get him the ball in his spots.

Aside from the natural chemistry that is seen on the court, Hicks, and Pinson’s games mesh together. Hicks is a dunker, and with Pinson’s ability to get the ball on the rim is great for Hicks. Isaiah struggled to find a natural spot on the court this season, but with Pinson’s playmaking ability, he seems to have found a spot.

Pinson also allows flexibility to the lineup structure of this team. In this season alone, Pinson has played four positions; shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.

Odds are Pinson will play the point guard this season also.

There have not been many guys in Roy Williams’ time at UNC that could play all five positions.

As a matter of fact, it would be hard to find one person that could do that.

The importance of Theo Pinson is similar to a few people in the NBA, but the best comparison could be Draymond Green.

The list of things that Theo can do on the court is long.

That is why he is one of the fan favorites. Pinson will consistently be the engine to this team, and they can go as far as the engine will take him.