Brooklyn Nets: Theo Pinson has a great opportunity at Summer League

The Brooklyn Nets will be looking to add players for next season and could search within their franchise. Theo Pinson could be the next break out player.

The Brooklyn Nets are an exciting destination for many free agents this offseason as free agency is well underway. The additions of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving shouldn’t be the only vital moves made this summer.

A player that has been on the team’s radar has been second-year guard Theo Pinson. Pinson was an undrafted free agent pick up last season that played his college basketball at the University of North Carolina where he won a national championship. Originally signed to a two-way contract, Pinson dazzled fans and the organization with his fantastic play for the G-League’s Long Island Nets.

Pinson averaged 20.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game while starting for the Nets G League squad. This incredible performance quickly pushed the front office to sign him to a guaranteed full NBA contract with the main roster on April 10th.

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1117525432545398784

Pinson spoke with reporters after being called up to the Brooklyn team just in time for their first-round playoff matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.

"“When I first got here, they were like, ‘What we do here is we shoot threes,’” Pinson said. “It just gave me the confidence to shoot threes … when coaches and teammates have that confidence in you, it comes easier. From Day One, they wanted me to be me, They know what I can do, they can see all the intangibles I bring to the game and what I can possibly do, and I’m just trying to show as much as I can in every opportunity that I get.”"

The Greensboro, North Carolina native appeared in limited duty for the Nets but made the right impression. The goal now switches to the summer league starting today in Las Vegas for Pinson to take a more significant step forward. His ability to thrive in the G-League last season was kind enough to earn the guaranteed contract, but the summer will determine his role on the Brooklyn squad.

Pinson’s versatility at either guard or forward makes him a valuable asset off the bench that head coach Kenny Atkinson can use immediately. The key this summer league will most likely be overall defense showing a desire to stop the other team’s best offensive option. The roster he will be on needs leadership, and if he can set the tone as a top defender, it could go a long way in gaining Atkinson’s support.

The Nets will continue to comb through possible Free Agent options but would be better off just staying home and working with what they already have within the franchise.