Tre Mann has had an eventful offseason, agreeing to return to the Charlotte Hornets on a three-year, $24 million deal and inking an exclusive partnership with Reebok. Asked about the latter development in an interview with ClutchPoints, Mann shared how he understands that the brand was once an icon and is now experiencing a rebirth.
In some ways, Reebok's journey mirrors his own, as he is on the road to redemption following an injury-riddled 2024-25 season. He was emerging as an early Sixth Man of the Year candidate before injuries cut short what was supposed to be his first full season as a Hornet.
It was even unclear what Mann had really been going through, and Charlotte didn't even declare him out for the season. His reason for sitting merely changed from disc irritation to disc herniation, and some might have hoped that he would return near the end of the regular season. Unfortunately, that didn't turn out to be the case.
Hopefully, the downtime is enough for the 24-year-old guard to have fully recovered from his back injury. He is likely raring to come back to the floor for some unfinished business, and by the looks of it, he is set to do it in style.
Tre Mann is likely looking to pick up where he left off
It remains to be seen if Mann can get back to the level he was at before injuries got in the way, similar to how Reebok has made a successful return to the basketball scene after a long absence.
Things are much different from how it was last year, though, as he is hardly the only shot-creator now that the Hornets can rely on off the bench.
Regardless of who starts between Kon Knueppel and Collin Sexton (or a different alternative of Charles Lee's choosing), Mann probably won't be the first guard or wing to be subbed into the game if every rotation piece is healthy. He would also have to contend for his minutes, as Spencer Dinwiddie, Liam McNeeley, and possibly Josh Green or Sion James also deserve to receive playing time.
What Mann has going for him is his supreme confidence, not just in his drip but also in his on-court skills. He told ClutchPoints that he sought to "build something" and that he "wanted to do something that everybody else is not doing" regarding his decision to represent Reebok. The Florida native's willingness to go against the current should help him bring something unique to the table for the Hornets and establish a role in their suddenly crowded rotation.