Plenty of storylines surround the Charlotte Hornets' training camp, including the return of Tre Mann. The team is likely patting itself on the back for being able to re-sign him for an affordable price. Perhaps other franchises did not value him as much as Charlotte did when he was a free agent.
Longtime NBA analyst David Thorpe recently gushed about the underrated guard, stating that he is "way better than people realize." Interestingly, Thorpe even believes that the Hornets' backcourt would be in a good spot even if they move on from LaMelo Ball, as a pairing of Mann and Brandon Miller would be a potent foundation if they decide to change up their rebuilding strategy.
The jury's out on whether Thorpe is correct in implying that Mann could easily take Ball's spot. However, it's tough to disagree with his assertion that the University of Florida product has been undervalued around the league.
Well, he did play just 13 games last season, which could have factored into the notion that he is not as well-known around the NBA as he should be. The silver lining for Charlotte is that the lack of demand for Mann's services allowed the organization to keep him with a three-year, $24 million contract.
Tre Mann set to play a key role for Hornets again
The 2024-25 campaign saw Buzz City struggle with scoring and playmaking, resulting in a bottom-ranked offense that was as hard to watch as it was easy to be criticized by pundits. For a while at the start of the regular season, though, it looked like the Hornets would be somewhat decent in the offensive department, as Mann had been a revelation in creating shots for himself and his teammates.
He had picked up where he left off at the end of the 2023-24 season, when he put up 11.9 points and 5.7 assists per game in 28 appearances in the purple and teal jersey. Unfortunately, a then-mysterious back injury derailed his early Sixth Man of the Year campaign . The former first-round pick ended up averaging 14.1 points and 3.0 assists per contest and suiting up just 13 times.
This year, Mann has the opportunity to showcase his skills, get rid of the underrated label, and earn the respect he deserves. What he has going for him is that Hornets coach Charles Lee looks ready to give him back his role as one of the first guys off the bench.
It is certainly an exciting time for Charlotte, as its roster is replete with players who can produce now, as well as those who can help Ball (if the star doesn't get traded) and Miller help the Hornets contend in the future. Mann figures to be both.