The Portland Trail Blazers could create a monster backcourt rotation by acquiring Tre Mann
Perhaps no other player had as drastic an improvement in their college season last year as the University of Florida’s Tre Mann. Not only did he experience a 10-point upswing in his scoring, he also reportedly grew 2 inches and added 15-lbs.
If he continues to grow, there’s no telling how high his ceiling could be.
Mann is a player built in the mold of Anfernee Simons, a slippery guard who does most of his damage as a jump shooter. He’s still a little raw as a ballhandler and shot creator, but did average 3.5 assists his sophomore year. Between the secondary playmaking abilities of he and Simons, the Blazers should have enough shot creation on their bench.
While Mann might not contribute to the team as quickly as the other two listed prospects, he could have the highest ceiling out of the three. If he continues his current ascension, there’s no telling what he can’t do at the next level.
Even if he’s not polished enough to warrant being the reserve unit’s primary playmaker, his shooting should earn him floor-time in his rookie season. Mann shot over 40 percent from distance on nearly five attempts per game.
Mann’s got a picture-perfect jump shot that doesn’t change despite the range he’s shooting from. He should have no qualms about adjusting to the NBA 3-point line and launching from even further beyond. His improvements from the free-throw line and the touch he displayed on floaters and in the in-between game also speak volumes about his potential as a deep shooter.
Between USA Today, FORTHEW!N, and BleacherReport’s mock drafts, Mann landed an average draft position of 25. At that slot, he would be an absolute steal and should be a no-brainer for Portland to try to find a way to acquire him. The Blazers could create a backcourt rotation that constantly stretches the defense out to 30-feet by landing Mann.