Hornets HC Steve Clifford Comments on Former Thunder Guard's Early Impact With Team

At the trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired veteran forward Gordon Hayward, but it wasn't without the expense of Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic and Davis Bertans. While the three players didn't touch the court in Oklahoma City due to the depth of the team, they've got a good opportunity to shine in Charlotte.

Since arriving in Charlotte, Mann has averaged 13.7 points per game in just around 30 minutes per game. He's added 7.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while being a plus-eight in the box score. 

Evidently, the Thunder didn't have the opportunity that Mann needed to blossom and show every bit of the talent that he has. Anyone who paid close attention to the Thunder knew as much, but even in his opportunity to play, he didn't get to show his potential.

When Mann played in Oklahoma City, he was playing in small spurts and was never able to get into rhythm. Charlotte is proving to have the perfect opportunity for the 23-year-old guard. 

So how has Mann been able to acclimate to an improved role in Charlotte? Familiarity with the playbook has played a big part in him doing so. 

"As soon as we got on the plane from OKC to Charlotte, I asked them, 'Can y'all send me the playbook,'" Mann said. "They sent it to me and it was like 12 pages long. ...Just going out there trying to play off instinct for the first couple of games and then now I'm learning the plays so I can play off both."

Acquiring a player like Mann from an organization like Oklahoma City isn't a one-way street, either. Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has to immerse Mann into the game plan. In doing so, he's able to observe Mann's game. After his third performance, Clifford commented on what he's seen from Mann in his short time in Charlotte so far.

"He's diligent," Clifford said. "...I think for him a lot of it is just confidence, getting a chance to play regularly. What he did tonight was, he was in the middle of us getting off to a good start in the first quarter, and then the third quarter -- which was the most important quarter of the game -- he was right in the middle of the start of that, too."

With the Thunder, Mann could have been a huge spark plug guy. Still, players like Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace play into those sixth-man minutes, leaving no opportunity for Mann. He's showing that with the Hornets, though, and it's a pleasure to watch him grow as a player in an opportunity that allows him to get into a rhythm and build confidence.