NBA Draft 2018: 5 second-round sleepers ready to play right away

Theo Pinson, North Carolina

Theo Pinson was never the best player on his college team. In fact, it is arguable that he was never even the second-best player on his team. Yet, his importance to North Carolina over the past four years cannot be understated. Even though he only played one season as a full-time starter for the Tar Heels, his impact was felt in every game.

At 6-foot-6, Pinson has solid size to play in the NBA. In addition, his musclular build and above-average quickness allows him to guard positions 2-through-4. This defensive versatility is what makes him an intriguing prospect. In my opinion, 3-point shooting and defense are two of the most important skills that a budding wing can focus on. For Pinson, his defense is already well-noted.

Although NBA front offices might not prioritize personality traits much in their draft decisions, one of Pinson’s calling cards is leadership. On the defensive end of the floor, he is always active in communication with his teammates to make sure that everyone is in the right position. Offensively, he is an excellent playmaker for his size and should be considered to play a point guard role at the next level.

Concerns arrive when it comes to his draft stock due to the fact that he was rarely dominant on offense in college. This past season was his most productive on both ends of the floor, as he came away with 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.7 minutes per game. Joel Berry might have been the “point guard” for the Tar Heels this past season but Pinson was the playmaker.

Busting Brackets projection: Late second round to undrafted.