OKC Thunder: Is Tre Mann's Spot on the Roster Safe?

The Oklahoma City Thunder only needs to cut the roster from 16 to 15, but the decision may not be obvious.

With Jack White still on the team, the Thunder’s decision seems straightforward. However, Tre Mann’s spot on the roster is far from guaranteed.

Of the nine guards on the roster, Mann is the least like what Oklahoma City typically looks for in a player. While Mann has NBA-level talent, it does not always translate to team success.

Mann’s best quality is his isolation scoring. His ability to beat defenders off the dribble, create space and score looks elite at times. But when his shots are not falling, those possessions can become easy to guard, as Mann is not always the most willing passer.

After a promising rookie season, Mann took a step back in his second year. Mann averaged 7.7 points last season, while his 3-point percentage dropped to 31.5%.

With so many players fighting for minutes in the backcourt this season, Mann may struggle to find playing time. In three games of preseason action, Mann has had varied results.

Against the Charlotte Hornets, Mann went for a team-high 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting. He also added eight rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes as Oklahoma City rested many key players.

Mann struggled to find his rhythm in the two games where the starters played the bulk of the minutes. With eight and three points in his other appearances, Mann has not done much to prove he can play effectively with decreased usage.

Ultimately, Mann’s status on the team may be determined by injuries in the frontcourt. The Thunder will be without Jaylin Williams and Aleksej Pousevski to begin the season, which will put added pressure on Chet Holmgren to play big minutes. When Holmgren is off the floor, the Thunder will play small ball.

Although White is only 6-foot-7, at 233 pounds, he would be the heaviest player on a standard contract available on opening night. The 26-year-old’s stature has been helpful in the preseason, as he went for seven rebounds in extended minutes against the Hornets.

White would not play big minutes, but he could be helpful in spurts. Kenrich Williams would be the primary option as the backup center, but injury has prevented him from playing a couple of preseason contests.

With Ousmane Dieng still finding his spot in the rotation and Davis Bertans’ questionable defense, White could have a legitimate opportunity early in the season if Oklahoma City keeps him around. As GM Sam Presti makes the final decision in the coming days, it will be a question of fit versus talent.

While Mann has shown flashes of potential in his young career, his spot on the Thunder could be up in the air. The Thunder’s final preseason game against the Pistons should provide another chance for both players to make their claim for the 15th spot.

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