Sexton, Mann Bring Fire to Hornets’ Bench

The Charlotte Hornets enter the new season with something they sorely lacked last year: reliable depth. Injuries and inconsistency from key players led to one of the franchise’s most forgettable campaigns in recent memory. The Hornets added intriguing talent this offseason, headlined by dynamic guards Collin Sexton and Tre Mann.

Acquired in June in a deal involving Jusuf Nurkić, Sexton brings proven scoring ability. He averaged 18.4 points per game last season for the Utah Jazz, shooting an efficient 48% from the field and over 40% from three. Over his seven-year career, he’s maintained an 18.8-point scoring average, showcasing a knack for getting buckets in a variety of ways.

Mann, on the other hand, came over in 2024 in the trade that sent Gordon Hayward out. He made an immediate impact, putting up 11.9 points per game in just 28 outings before a lower back injury cut his 2024–25 season short after just 13 games. Still, his flashes of playmaking and shot creation gave fans something to be excited about.

With both guards in the mix, the Hornets could finally have the offensive spark and depth they’ve been missing. But how much of a leap can they really make this season? Let’s dive in.

Versatile, explosive, and unselfish

Sexton and Mann have the potential to form a dynamic and reliable backcourt off the bench. Both guards are capable of creating their own shot. Still, just as importantly, they can operate effectively off the ball—making them a natural fit next to each other and alongside starters like LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller when rotations stagger.

For a Hornets team that has struggled to find rhythm when injuries hit the starting five, this kind of backcourt flexibility could be a game-changer. Sexton’s downhill scoring and Mann’s poise as a secondary ball handler give head coach Charles Lee valuable options to mix and match lineups without sacrificing offensive firepower.

Sexton brings fire, Mann brings finesse 

Sexton arrives in Charlotte with a reputation. Nicknamed “Young Bull,” he plays with relentless energy and a chip on his shoulder. His aggressive, no-backdown mentality can elevate a team—or challenge teammates to rise to his level. Sexton adds a fiery edge to a Hornets team that has long been missing an emotional spark and on-court intensity.

Mann, on the other hand, brings an entirely different feel. His smooth, controlled style made him a fan favorite almost immediately after arriving from Oklahoma City. Overshadowed in a crowded Thunder backcourt, Mann never truly got to showcase his full game—until he landed with the Hornets. With tight handles, creative shot-making, and a calm presence on the court, he quickly proved he could get buckets at all three levels. Their contrasting styles could give the Hornets a dynamic backcourt that disrupts defenses and redefines the second unit’s identity.

In Conclusion

Whether they’re sharing the floor or leading different units, Collin Sexton and Tre Mann give the Charlotte Hornets something they’ve lacked for years: backcourt firepower with personality. Sexton brings intensity, grit, and a score-at-will mentality that can shift momentum in a single possession. Mann counters with poise, creativity, and a smooth offensive game that keeps defenses guessing.

Individually, they can anchor stretches of play and keep the offense afloat. Together, they have the potential to be one of the most exciting bench duos in the league—capable of changing the pace, flipping the energy, and closing the gap when starters sit.

For a team looking to turn the page and build a new identity, these two guards might be the catalyst. Charlotte finally has some backcourt depth with bite—and fans should be watching closely.