The Charlotte Hornets shocked the NBA world by acquiring Collin Sexton and a future second-round pick in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic. However, while the move gives the team a needed scorer and playmaker off the bench, it also creates a redundancy, as Sexton just looks like a better, more proven version of Tre Mann.
Interestingly, both Sexton and Mann are undersized combo guards who thrive best with the ball in their hands but might be better off playing as a squad's sixth man at this point in their careers. So, Charles Lee has to be pondering now on how he could get the duo to coexist.
Perhaps it won't be an issue if either of those players are able to show marked improvement on defense. It's tough to rely on them doing so, though, because Sexton has never posted a positive defensive box plus/minus in any of his first seven seasons in the league. Meanwhile, Mann's lithe frame has made him an easy target for opponents on defense.
There's also the possible financial dilemma in trading for the 2018 No. 8 overall pick and his expiring contract. He is eligible for an extension, although it might be in the Hornets' best interest to wait until next summer to sort it out. On the other hand, Mann is a restricted free agent this offseason, and Jeff Peterson has hinted at wanting to re-sign the 24-year-old. However, with the recent trade, it's unclear if the front office's priorities have shifted.
Hornets don't have to choose one over the other for now
It's highly likely, though, that Charlotte won't get rid of Mann. After all, with the organization's misfortune with injuries, having both him and Sexton on the roster could be more of a blessing than a problem.
The defense may take a hit, especially since LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller also have plenty of room to grow on that end of the floor. But at least the Hornets would have two players who can break down opposing defenses and create shots for themselves and their teammates at any point in the match.
There are even lineup combinations where Sexton and Mann can play together, with the former being more of the ball-handler, with the Hornets holdover playing off the ball in the early seconds of most possessions. However, Lee has to make sure that a solid wing defender and a reliable rim protector are on the floor with them.
So, there is a sense of optimism that Charlotte can make the current backcourt work. Still, it's not that easy to shake off the thought of watching the team flounder because of its weak perimeter defense and the lack of offensive creativity the coaching staff displayed last season.