Nobody on Oklahoma City's roster boosted their stock more than Tre Mann did this summer.
After a disappointing season, he took advantage of a summer of work. Mann fell victim to the Thunder's rise, as his minutes decreased when Oklahoma City ramped up its competition level. Usually on rebuilding teams, struggling players are able to work through their problems on the court and play through shooting slumps.
As the season wore on and the Thunder's surprising stretch extended, Mann was lost in the shuffle.
There's a reason he's still in Oklahoma City, though, and that's because the team believes in him. His potential is undeniable and his work ethic is strong. It's only a matter of time before he finds a role to thrive in somewhere in this league, and the Thunder certainly hopes it's in Oklahoma City.
During Sam Presti's preseason press conference on Wednesday, he gave Thunder fans a bit of advice, and praised Mann in the process.
“Enjoy the ride," Presti said. "Enjoy the ride. We have a great group of young guys and they work hard. I can’t speak to every single guy because I’m not with them all the time, but there’s not many times I walked into this building and Tre Mann hasn’t been in this building.
"Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has been in this building. These guys are wearing this place out … they really want to do well for the city and the team and themselves. They’ve had that level of commitment since they arrived."
Mann and Robinson-Earl took some criticism last season after a very positive rookie campaign from both players. The Thunder seem to be fully committed to helping in the process of their development still, though.
Mann has always been a high potential microwave scorer, and with efficiency, he could be exactly what Oklahoma City is looking for off the bench.
He averaged 20.5 points per game on 53.8% shooting overall and 46.4% from 3 in four summer league games, dominating the competition and shining against some highly regarded youngsters. When he's on, his game is a thing of beauty.
Presti's belief and recognition of Mann speaks volumes, and he could be in line for a strong bounce back season.
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