213hoops.com
2023-24 Clippers Season Preview: Terance Mann
Our player preview series for the 2024 Clippers continues with Terance Mann, the most important role player on the team.
Basic Information
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 215 pounds
Position: Shooting guard/Small forward
Age: 26
Years in NBA: 5
Key Stats: 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game on 51.9/38.9/78 shooting splits across 81 games in 23.1 minutes per game
Contract status: Second year of contract extension worth $10,576,923 million this season.
Expectations
The biggest expectation Clippers fans probably have for Terence Mann heading into the 2023-24 season is a consistent role with consistent minutes. Every time Mann received consistent minutes, he produced. He’s arguably the Clippers most dependable player off the bench.
The other expectation Clippers fans may have is for Mann to be in the starting lineup. From a roster standpoint, it makes sense. Mann can play the two-guard while Paul George slides to small forward and Kawhi Leonard plays the four. The Clippers don’t really have a dependable starting power forward and Leonard is their best option. Mann will probably thrive playing alongside a playmaker in the open court like Russell Westbrook as well.
Strengths
One of Mann’s biggest strengths has also been one of the Clippers’ biggest weaknesses and that’s attacking downhill. Mann consistently puts pressure on the defense with his slashing ability and being able to draw contact at the basket.
He’s also become a reliable ball-handler and playmaker at times and that’s largely due to his rookie year playing the G League when the Clippers wanted to make him a point guard.
Mann is one of the team’s better wing defenders as well and a good rebounder for his size.
Weaknesses
The one thing that would really shore up Mann’s game is his shooting. He’s made incredible strides on that end throughout his career and he’s shot a solid percentage from three-point range ever since he was a rookie.
What would be great is if he increases his attempts from three-point range and can manage his same levels of efficiency. That and just being confident in his shot. Whenever he’s open, take the shot and let it fly with confidence.
Summary
Mann has been mentioned in trade rumors for a while now. He was gone at the deadline in a package for Kyrie Irving if the Brooklyn Nets would have accepted the offer. His name came up in James Harden rumors but the Clippers reportedly were not willing to include him.
It’s not surprising that Mann has trade value around the league. He’s consistently been one of the NBA’s best role players and contributes to winning basketball.
The Clippers need to hold on to him though and give him a consistent role with consistent minutes. And by consistent minutes it means close to starter-level minutes. He began the 2022-23 season with several players ahead of him on the depth chart. That can’t happen this year.
2023-24 Clippers Season Preview: Terance Mann
David Yapkowitz