It hasn’t been the ideal third season for Tre Mann. The third-year guard is averaging career lows across the board as he is outside the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rotation.
The 22-year-old is a victim of OKC’s backcourt depth. Ahead of him on the depth chart are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace and Vasilije Micic.
Through no real fault of his own, Mann has appeared in just 13 games for 9.2 minutes. Due to the lack of playing time, he’s had a few stints with the G League’s OKC Blue, with whom he usually puts up monster scoring numbers.
In his two games with the Blue, he’s averaging 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
In all likelihood, Mann’s time with OKC is nearing an end. He’s a popular choice for someone who could be moved either at the trade deadline or offseason. Considering he has a year left on his rookie deal, perhaps a new team can give him a chance to get the consistent playing time needed for him to earn a coveted second deal.
In the meantime, Mann continues to be a great teammate and has made the best of a less-than-ideal situation. As the Thunder fight for first place, the 22-year-old is always one of the first ones off the bench to celebrate massive moments in games.
When asked about his role this season, Mann said he will not let his lack of playing time poison his mindset, which speaks volumes of his character as both a player and individual.
“Bigger picture, just wanted to be a good teammate all the time,” Mann said on his role with the Thunder following the Blue’s win over Mexico City Capitanes. “Supporting the guys, trust in the coaching staff and what their plans are. But really just being a good person and a good teammate.”
Being assigned to the G League usually has a negative connotation involved to it, but the Thunder have done a tremendous job of removing that stigma with their players.
Instead of it being viewed as a demotion, players see it as an opportunity to get additional playing time in the same coaching schemes and court.
“(It’s) very beneficial,” Mann said on his Blue stints this season. “Like I said, OKC does a great job at keeping guys in shape, keeping guys ready. It’s just another opportunity for me to stay ready when my number is called for the Thunder. It’s always fun to play basketball.”
Blue head coach Kameron Woods has also noted Mann’s professionalism in the handful of games he’s had him this season, noting his seamless transition between teams.
“The thing that impressed me about him is he’s just always ready to play. He’s a great team player that guys really like playing with him,” Woods said. “Because of how we play and because of how he plays, you can just mirror him right into what you have. He fits right in and he plays with the group.”
Talented NBA players not working out in a specific situation regularly happens. In Mann’s case, it appears OKC’s abundance of guard talent has caused him to get the short end of the stick.
The third-year guard will likely get a chance elsewhere but until that materializes, he’ll continue to be a supportive teammate in a locker room that thrives in positivity and support.
“That’s why we’re so close on the court,” Mann said. “People say we play together. … We got other things that we do to bond — hang out, have dog dates, little stuff like that keeps us together and comfortable around each other.”
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