Promising Pre-Season Signals Big Things For Hornets Guard

Imagine being so influential that an entire generation tries to imitate your style. As the 2024-25 NBA pre-season has progressed, Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann has evoked memories of NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. From baggy shorts to his aggressive playing style, Mann channels Iverson’s look and swagger on the court.

When it comes to on-court role models, you could do far worse than Iverson. An 11-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, and 2000-01 MVP, Iverson’s accolades speak for themselves.

Mann, acquired at the February trade deadline from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Gordon Hayward, has found new life in Charlotte. In 28 games with the Hornets last season, he averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 45/36/75%. His pre-season numbers—16.0 points on 60/47/66% shooting—suggest he’ll play a key role, whether starting or coming off the bench.

With the Hornets set to open their regular season against the Houston Rockets in six days, could Mann make a case for Sixth Man of the Year—or even Most Improved Player? Let’s dive in.

A Fair Shake

The Thunder were in the midst of a rebuild, coming off a 22-50 season. They drafted Josh Giddey 6th and Mann 18th in 2021, focusing on developing their young core. Mann seized early opportunities, averaging 10.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on 39/36/79% shooting in 22.8 minutes as a rookie.

However, his role diminished in his second season, with his minutes dropping to 17.7 per game, resulting in a decline to 7.7 points per contest. The emergence of other young guards further limited his opportunities, and Mann appeared in only 13 games with the Thunder.

Looking for a fresh start, Mann found a lifeline with the Hornets, who were shedding veterans in favor of young talent and draft capital. Acquiring Mann was a low-risk, high-reward move for Charlotte, giving him the platform to showcase his skills.

Success in Charlotte

Mann’s talent was never in question—it was simply a numbers game in Oklahoma City. In Charlotte, injuries and trades among the guards created an opening, and Mann seized the opportunity. His performance gave the Hornets optimism about his long-term fit, proving that his skill set could thrive with more freedom.

During the pre-season, Mann has excelled as a shot-hunter with the second unit. His ability to score efficiently makes him Charlotte’s most reliable perimeter threat, providing a boost when the starters struggle to find their rhythm. Heading into the regular season, there’s no reason to expect a drop in his aggressiveness or scoring ability.

Whether Mann becomes a candidate for end-of-season awards will depend on the Hornets’ success. If Charlotte exceeds expectations, Mann’s bench impact could make him a contender for Sixth Man or Most Improved Player.

The Final Word

Tre Mann’s journey is a story of resilience and opportunity. After flashes of promise in OKC, he’s found a new life in Charlotte, embracing his role and proving his worth. With his scoring, energy, and shooting, Mann has the chance to elevate both himself and the Hornets this season. If Mann maintains an Iverson-like swagger and a chip on his shoulder, his impact on Charlotte could be limitless.