Thunder select Tre Mann with No. 18 pick
The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Florida point guard Tre Mann with the No. 18 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Mann took a major step forward in his sophomore season with the Gators, upping his scoring average to 16 per game from 5.3 points as a freshman. The 20-year-old's scoring upside is the most intriguing part of his game, as he's showcased an ability to get buckets both around the rim and outside of the paint. Few players in the Class of 2021 can stop their dribble on a dime the way Mann can.
Teams coveting a pure shot creator capable of playing either guard spot likely had Mann high up on their draft boards. While there are some clear limitations - most notably on the defensive end - Mann figures to provide scoring punch in the NBA early on, and he's a solid value pick just outside of the lottery.
Bio
Position: PG
School: Florida
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 190 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-5
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Scores in a variety of ways, including floaters, step-back jumpers, and pull-up shots.
- Above-average size at the point guard position should help him eventually develop into a strong playmaker capable of utilizing passing lanes over smaller defenders. Mann has already showcased an ability to find open shooters off of his drives.
- Acceleration, mobility, and shiftiness help him create space to get high-percentage shot attempts.
- Strong ball handling allows him to extend plays and get defenses off balance.
Weaknesses
- Needs to add more muscle to hold his own defending against NBA competition.
- Consistency on the defensive end has to improve.
- Shows flashes of playmaking ability, but he needs to take care of the ball more consistently. He surrendered 2.8 turnovers per game as a sophomore.
- Isn't the most explosive player.