With multiple outlets reporting that Kevin Porter Jr. will likely decline his upcoming player option to test free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks may need to look elsewhere for guard help. While landing an established name certainly wouldn't hurt, they should also be on the hunt for reclamation projects that won't break the bank, and one name worth exploring is Tre Mann.
Bucks should do homework on Tre Mann
It's been a rough few years for Mann. He's appeared in just 54 games over the past two years and was traded from the OKC Thunder to the Charlotte Hornets on top of it, adding more to his plate. He put up solid numbers when he was healthy in that time, averaging 10.8 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 38.2 percent from deep, but he simply wasn't on the court consistently.
With that in mind, Mann's value is low. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, and while that does give the Hornets a path to re-sign him, perhaps they will let him walk after his injury woes, especially if they have eyes on a guard with the fourth pick in this upcoming draft. If that is the case, the Milwaukee Bucks could try to swoop in and get him on a flyer.
Mann would be a nice fit in Porter's place, as they bring similar things to the table. Both can generate offense for themselves and their teammates in a variety of ways, with their smooth shot-making from all three levels reigning supreme among them. On defense, neither will make All-Defense, but they are pests who can generate steals and create transition opportunities, which the Bucks need.
Above all else, it's Mann's scoring that stands out the most. With Damian Lillard injured and Porter at least considering leaving, the Milwaukee Bucks need someone not named Giannis Antetokounmpo to generate offense consistently. If Mann can stay healthy, he could absolutely provide support as one of the Bucks' complementary scoring threats.
If the Milwaukee Bucks do embrace a gap year scenario, which is a topic floating around, next year must be about finding players who can help long-term. At 24, Mann is still young and has plenty of room to grow. Again, if he can stay healthy, perhaps he can finally unearth some of the potential that has been on display in spurts with OKC and Charlotte.
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