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UNC Alumni in the NBA: Theo Pinson named to All-NBA G-League East team

By Blake Cockrum

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Theo Pinson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on January 25, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Theo Pinson #10 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on January 25, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Theo Pinson earns midseason All-NBA G-League honors

Former North Carolina basketball standout and current Long Island Nets wing Theo Pinson has been named to the midseason All-NBA G-League East team.

Pinson, a two-way player who’s been spending time with both Long Island, and its NBA affiliate, the Brooklyn Nets, has had an outstanding rookie season in the G-League. Despite being just one year removed from his final college season in Chapel Hill, Pinson has established himself as the Nets’ most valuable — and versatile — player.

In 25 games with Long Island, Pinson is averaging 20.6 points, 6.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game. He’s shooting better than 44 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from three-point range, as well as 87 percent from the free throw line.

He’s averaging three made three-pointers per game, and has an assist-to-turnover ratio north of 1.75. He’s also recording one steal per game, while committing less than three fouls in a team-high 36.1 minutes of playing time.

His terrific play at the G-League level has earned him a lot of looks from the Brooklyn Nets, too. In 11 appearances with Brooklyn, Pinson is averaging 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists. His shooting numbers haven’t been as good — just 34.6 percent from the floor and 26.7 percent from downtown — but he also hasn’t been afforded the same kind of playing time that he has been with Long Island, likely making it tougher to get into a good rhythm.

Regardless, his production at both levels this season has been impressive, and widely unexpected. There’s even been talk recently about Brooklyn offering Pinson an NBA contract since his two-way contract is running out of days that allow him to be on an NBA roster.

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