How Tre Mann Can Help Oklahoma City Off the Bench

With Aleksej Pokusevski's injury, the Thunder will need creativity off the bench. Tre Mann can help with that.

It’s no secret that the Thunder’s roster is crowded. Oklahoma City has tough decisions to make regarding the roster, and a handful of players are squarely on the line of making the team, getting traded, or getting cut.

With Aleksej Pokusevski’s devastating ankle injury that will hold him out of camp, many are predicting various front court members to step up. Ousmane Dieng is a popular breakout candidate and Jaylin Williams could continue his solid stretch from a season ago. Pokusevski is a hybrid player, though, someone who can drain open 3-pointers and handle the ball, too. His absence might open up room for a guard to step up.

The Thunder’s second unit will finally have a true point guard in Vasijile Micic, who should add plenty of creativity to the bench. Micic will be able to run the pick-and-roll and distribute the ball to shooters on the floor.

With much of the ball handling pressure removed, Tre Mann could thrive in a new role off the bench in Oklahoma City. After an unbelievable Summer League run, Mann has likely secured his roster spot and will be fighting for a rotation spot. If he can knock down open threes, he’ll fit right in with the Thunder’s second unit in a new role.

Mann averaged 20.5 points per game on 53.8% shooting overall and 46.4% from 3 in four summer league games. He dominated younger competition and looked like a star player on the floor. With that confidence, Mann could be the exact player Oklahoma City needs off the bench.

He won’t be asked to do too much, as Micic will handle a majority of the ball handling duties. Mann can play freely and be a microwave scorer off the bench.

During Summer League, Mann consistently got to his spots across the court. He was solid in the mid-range and took strong finishes to the rim, creating and-one opportunities. With his offensive firepower, he can give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a rest off the bench.

He doesn’t have to do it all, but with consistent scoring, Mann can carve out a role for himself with this Thunder roster.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.