Dallas Mavericks free agency grade: Theo Pinson signing

The Dallas Mavericks planned to bring back Theo Pinson after he played such a key role in the team’s run to the Western Conference. The 26-year-old was playing in the G League in December before the Mavs signed him to a ten-day hardship deal as they had multiple players entering the health and safety protocols. Pinson stuck for the rest of the season because of his impact in the locker room.

The 6’5 wing knows how to make players sweat without being on the court. He was the leader of the team’s bench that was fined $175,000 during the playoffs before violating the league’s rules. Pinson got his teammates excited and impacted the game without ever stepping foot on the court in the playoffs.

The Mavericks viewed him as a key piece of their locker room, so they made him a restricted free agent before agreeing to a one-year deal on July 1 as first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski. How did Dallas do on that deal?

Dallas Mavericks free agency grade: Theo Pinson signing

Pinson is the second player Dallas signed in free agency after agreeing to give JaVale McGee their mid-level exception on June 30. Woj reported the one-year deal for Pinson, and fans can assume it is for the veteran minimum of just under $2 million for a player with four years of NBA experience.

Pinson figures to be the Mavericks' 15th man, and he will only play when the team is shorthanded. He can still make an impact and is arguably one of the most important locker room presences for a player at the end of the bench.

Dallas Mavericks grade for Theo Pinson deal: A

The Dallas Mavericks viewed Pinson as a key piece of their roster, so they worked out a one-year deal for the minimum. He will be back in Dallas and ready to make an impact. His energy is contagious, and teams are already dreading facing the Mavs. Nobody wants to go against Luka Doncic, and it will only be worse for them with Pinson getting things going from the bench.

The Mavericks earned a solid A grade for signing Theo Pinson to a minimum deal. He is ready to make an impact, and Dallas needs the locker room boost after Jalen Brunson departed in free agency and Boban Marjanovic was traded to Houston. Expect to see Pinson getting things going from the bench on opening night, and stay tuned to see what is next for the Mavericks.