In a bit of a surprise, Pinson will also test the draft waters.
When thinking of North Carolina players who would test the draft waters this season, Theo Pinson’s name probably wasn’t on the top of that list. It seemed obvious that Tony Bradley would see what feedback he got, and it made sense for Joel Berry II to see where he might stand in regards to the next level. Pinson’s declaration comes as a bit of a surprise.
Pinson played in 21 games this season for the Tar Heels, averaging 6.1 points per game and a team-high 3.7 assists per game. An injury kept him out of the starting lineup at the beginning of the season, but he returned as the spark plug that the team desperately needed.
Many of Pinson’s contributions to the team didn’t show up on a stat sheet from game to game, but he did a little of everything for the Heels. It’s hard to say enough about how incredible his court vision is, and how seamlessly he was able to find teammates in near-impossible positions that ended up turning out okay.
In the current age of the draft process, there is no reason why a player who wants to make it to the NBA shouldn’t test the draft waters. Pinson is no exception. He loses nothing by going to work out for teams at the next level to see what kind of feedback he gets. Not hiring an agent gives him the ability to return to Carolina with whatever knowledge he receives, which seems like the most likely option at this stage.
Should he decide not to return to Carolina, which is always a possibility, he’ll be remembered for what he was able to bring off the court as on it. It’s rare that you can say that about a player in a positive way and mean it, but Theo was the comedic relief everyone needed at times. Best of luck to him in whatever he decides to do.
