Tre Mann is proving to be exactly what the Charlotte Hornets needed—a firecracker off the bench with more spark than a Fourth of July parade. Averaging 19.2 points in his first six games with Charlotte, Mann’s been cooking defenders, lighting up threes like he’s on a mission to prove he’s the NBA’s next sharpshooting sensation. But hold on, it’s not just his stat line that’s caught attention. It’s how he’s doing it—smooth, confident, and with an “I belong here” vibe that has Charlotte fans buzzing.
Before you start wondering where this guy came from, Mann’s NBA journey wasn’t all highlights and cheers. In OKC, he was just another player on a roster full of promising young talent, putting up modest numbers—8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. In OKC’s cluttered backcourt, Mann spent more time learning to play off the ball than doing what he does best: dominating with it. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey forced him to sharpen up his off-the-catch game, which—surprise, surprise—turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
“I learned to play without the ball,” Mann told us, like a kid who just discovered how to ride a bike without training wheels. Playing alongside the walking highlight reel that is LaMelo Ball, Mann has found his sweet spot in Charlotte. In the Hornets’ run-and-gun system, Mann can thrive without overthinking—just catch, shoot, and go. Simple, right?
But don’t let the simplicity fool you—Mann’s impact goes beyond a few flashy threes and drives. His 1.250 points per possession in spot-up situations make him one of the most efficient weapons in Charlotte’s offense. Not to mention his 1.5 PPP on catch-and-shoot attempts. Basically, Mann is the guy you can’t leave open, unless you’re into watching the opposing team celebrate a 3-pointer.
Then there’s LaMelo Ball. If Mann is the Hornets’ fireworks, LaMelo is the grand finale. Ball is averaging 30.2 points a night and running the show like an NBA maestro who’s got all the right notes. According to Mann, LaMelo is “the engine of our team,” which makes sense because, when Melo’s on, it’s hard not to just sit back and enjoy the show.
But don’t think Mann’s been doing all of this on his own. Enter Kemba Walker—the Hornets’ version of a wise Jedi, now serving as a player enhancement coach. If you’ve ever wondered how Mann got so polished, thank Kemba and those 500 shots they’ve been knocking down together after practice. Yes, 500—because why not aim for perfection?
“Kemba shared his old workout routine from his Boston days,” Mann shared, like he’s been handed the secret recipe to Kemba’s famous step-backs. The mentorship doesn’t end there, though. Walker’s influence also extends to defense, where he’s showing Mann the ropes, trick by trick, in their film study sessions. Imagine Kemba pointing at the screen, breaking down defensive lapses like Yoda explaining the ways of the Force.
Speaking of defense, Mann wants you to know he’s no one-trick pony. Sure, he can shoot the lights out, but he’s committed to becoming a “complete player.” He doesn’t want to be just the guy who scores, he wants to be the guy who boxes out, hustles, and, most importantly, wins. That means embracing Charlotte’s defensive identity alongside tough-nosed teammates like Josh Green and Cody Martin, who are tasked with guarding the NBA’s best. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how teams win games—and Mann’s all in.
Under head coach Charles Lee, the Hornets have created an environment where players actually enjoy showing up to work (imagine that). And with Mann, the team’s found another key piece in their fast-paced system. “It’s fun, we come in ready to work every day,” Mann said. “When you’re playing for coaches who care about you as a person, not just as a player, it makes you want to play even harder.”
And play harder, he has. Whether he’s torching defenders off the dribble, bombing from deep, or breaking down a defense in isolation, Mann’s versatility has given the Hornets a second reliable threat to keep defenses guessing. His 27.2% usage rate says it all—Mann’s become an indispensable piece of Charlotte’s offense, like a spark plug that makes everything run smoother.
As Mann continues to excel in Charlotte, the league is starting to take notice. He’s only 23, and it feels like he’s just scratched the surface of what he can become. A rising star? Maybe. The Hornets’ not-so-secret weapon? Absolutely.
In any case, Tre Mann is having the time of his life—and Charlotte fans should probably buckle up because the ride’s just getting started.
