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UNC Basketball: Everyone’s favorite teammate, Theo Pinson, on the move

By Blake Cockrum

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Theo Pinson #21 of the New York Knicks looks on during warmups before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on December 31, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Theo Pinson #21 of the New York Knicks looks on during warmups before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on December 31, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Former UNC basketball standout Theo Pinson makes an impact everywhere he goes. 

Theo Pinson’s time in New York has apparently come to an end.

After three years in the Empire state — two with the Brooklyn Nets and their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, and another with the New York Knicks — the fourth-year wing out of North Carolina is on his way to the Midwest. And it’s not a move that his former comrades are all that happy about.

That’s because wherever Pinson goes, he becomes not only a fan favorite, but a valued member of the organization both from the perspective of his coaches and teammates. It happened during his time with the Nets, and again with the Knicks. Even when Pinson wasn’t on the floor — he played just nine minutes per game over the three-year span — he was making a difference on the bench with his energy and enthusiasm.

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Alas, Pinson is headed to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks as a member of their 2021 Summer League roster. He’ll look to bring that same kind of energy to Summer League play this August, as well as working toward earning a spot with the team when the regular season comes around. He’s got a shot, as he’s greatly improved his game since graduating from the University of North Carolina in the spring of 2018.

Despite being one of the program’s key players over his final two years on campus, a stretch in which he started 50 of his 58 appearances, Pinson didn’t become a particularly potent offensive threat until his final season in a Carolina uniform. It was then that he averaged a career-high 10.3 points per game while shooting better than 47 percent from the floor. A true jack-of-all-trades, Pinson also recorded 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game during the 2017-18 campaign.

Here’s hoping that Pinson can put together a terrific performance this summer, and land on an NBA roster this fall. I have no doubt that wherever he ends up, fans and players alike will appreciate everything that he brings to the game.

Next. Another former Tar Heel is on the move. dark

Stick with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on Theo Pinson, and UNC basketball alumni throughout the NBA Summer League.

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