All Tar Heels

Former UNC Basketball Teammates Reuniting in NBA G League

UNC basketball champs Theo Pinson and Justin Jackson will play for the Texas Legends.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball's Theo Pinson and Justin Jackson (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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While neither Theo Pinson nor Justin Jackson did much stats-wise in the NBA last season, both 2016-17 UNC basketball national champs have seen at least some action in the NBA every year since playing for the Tar Heels. This year, though, they're set to begin in the G League as teammates for the Dallas Mavericks' affiliate, the Texas Legends.

The Legends announced earlier this week that they traded for Pinson's returning player rights from the Maine Celtics.

As Dallas Basketball's Michael Mulford noted, the 27-year-old recent Mavericks wing (2021-23), who has averaged 2.7 points and 1.4 rebounds across 127 NBA games in his career, could end up on the Dallas roster before long:

"Pinson isn't expected to be a factor for the Mavs this season, but given his desire to stay near the team, and that head coach Jason Kidd seems to like him quite a bit, perhaps he finds himself onto the Mavs' 15-man roster again at some point if a big trade happens that opens up extra roster spots."

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Jackson played 28 games for the Legends in 2021-22 and returned to them last season, playing 14 more games, after getting waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder in February.

Jackson has averaged 6.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game as a pro since going No. 15 overall at the 2017 NBA Draft following his three years in the UNC basketball program.

Theo Pinson, Justin Jackson, and the Texas Legends tip off their 2023-24 campaign on Nov. 10.

Nine Former UNC Players Currently in the NBA

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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