On Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they assigned rookie Tre Mann to the OKC Blue, their affiliate in the NBA G League.
Oklahoma City opted to send Mann to the Blue to give him the opportunity to play extended minutes. He has appeared in each game to this point of the season with the Thunder but is averaging 4.8 points and one rebound in 10.2 minutes.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat down with Mann prior to the regular-season opener to outline the plan for him this season. The team does not view the assignment as a demotion, rather more of a chance for him to get consistent playing time.
Daigneault explained some of what the team has in store for him.
The plan would be for us to travel without him. Any change in circumstance can change the plan. The plan is for him to be there for a little bit of a stretch. Get some practices with that team and play with them. … Our initial plan is to have him there for a minute.
The Blue will start playing their home games this season at Paycom Center, where the Thunder play. They previously played in the Cox Convention Center across the street but will now share a home with the Thunder, making it even more convenient to assign players to the Blue.
However, it sounds as though Mann will spend extended time with the Blue as he continues his development. The opportunity will give him a great chance to work on his game and fine-tune some things before returning to the Thunder.
The Blue open up their season on Nov. 5 versus the Salt Lake City Stars.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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