Mavericks sign Theo Pinson via hardship exception: What does he bring?

The Dallas Mavericks placed Reggie Bullock and Josh Green in the health and safety protocols over the weekend. Their absence coupled with Luka Doncic, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Frank Ntilikina being out left the team shorthanded in their loss to the Timberwolves on Dec. 19. The Mavs needed reinforcements, especially on the wing.

The NBA allowed teams to sign replacement players for players in the health and safety protocols, and Dallas quickly took advantage by signing Theo Pinson out of the G League, according to Shams Charania.

Pinson was playing for the Maine Red Claws, but he is no stranger to NBA action. Here is a closer look at what he brings to the Mavericks.

Dallas Mavericks sign Theo Pinson: What does he bring?

The 26-year-old averaged 16.4 points, 4.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 32.8 minutes per over his first 12 with the Red Claws this season. He is shooting over 40 percent from three, and he can provide some instant offense. The 6’5 wing has 68 games of NBA experience over three seasons, but he failed to earn a consistent role with both the Nets and Knicks after going undrafted in 2018.

Pinson has the size and athleticism to be a rotation player in the NBA, and he has shown flashes in the G League over the last three years.

Pinson has been looking for another opportunity to prove he belongs in the NBA, and he has it with the Mavericks. It could be a perfect fit as the 6’5 wing can handle the ball, attack off the bounce, and make plays. Dallas needs some instant offense, especially with Luka Doncic on the shelf. If Theo Pinson can provide it, he could stick around in Dallas even when the Mavs get healthy.

Multiple NBA teams are facing COVID issues, and the Dallas Mavericks have put two players and two coaches in the health and safety protocols over the last two days. It could just be the beginning for the organization, and fans should be watching the situation closely over the next week. 

Theo Pinson should be active on Tuesday night when the Mavs host the Minnesota Timberwolves. Expect him to see his first action with the team, and fans should be excited to see what he can do.