Thunder Media Day: Tre Mann looks poised for a breakout season

Last season the OKC Thunder went 24-58 during the regular season, and it was difficult to find bright spots from the product that was put out on the floor. However, one of those bright spots was none other than rookie Tre Mann.

On March 21, 2022, Mann went off for his career-high 35 points, on 61 percent shooting. Mann hit seven threes during his career-high night, tied for the most made in a single game by an OKC Thunder rookie.

It is unlikely Mann will ever be able to put averages together like the numbers he posted against the Boston Celtics in March. However, what Mann showed on that March night was the potential he has to do great things in a Thunder jersey.

OKC Thunder guard Tre Mann impressed at Media Day and seems poised for a successful season with a veteran attitude and bigger muscles.

Fast forward to Media Day, when Mann took the podium something felt different about him. He didn’t seem like the same wide-eyed rookie he was when he sat at the same podium during his exit interview. Mann looked bigger, when asked about that, he was very proud to discuss the work he put in on his body both in the weight room and by the nutrients he fueled his body with throughout the summer months.

Mann showed more than just physical changes as well. The way he carried himself and his demeanor seemed much more like a seasoned veteran, rather than an NBA sophomore. This is fantastic news considering Oklahoma City has four new rookies on the squad this season, they need all the leadership they can get, to show them how to be solid pros.

Between the flashes Mann showed last season, an off-season of improvement, and what appears to be stellar strength training Mann is in a position for a breakout year.

Since star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could miss the beginning of the season due to an MCL injury, If Tre Mann has a strong camp and preseason, he could get the starting nod next to Josh Giddey, if SGA cannot go on opening night.