Who is the Clippers’ best player outside of their superstar duo?
The LA Clippers made some big moves during the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline by acquiring key depth pieces and another competent center. They were also on the hunt for a number one point guard, but it appeared that the price for obtaining one was high. Among the trade packages for Toronto Raptors point guard Fred Van Vleet was the fourth-year stud, Terance Mann.
Post-Trade deadline, Mann not only showed he is right for the championship-contending Clippers, but he may also be the answer that the franchise has been searching for. Throughout most of the season, Norman Powell has been considered the third star to match with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Lately, however, Mann has been a key player for the Clippers as a full-time starting point guard.
Mann is currently on a 21-game consecutive starting role for the LA Clippers. In those contests, Mann has averaged 11.5 points while shooting a field goal percentage of 51.7 and a three-point shooting percentage of 44.9. Additionally, he has also averaged four rebounds, 2.8 assists, and only 0.9 turnovers per game.
What’s more, Mann is taking more efficient shots this season as he is shooting a field-goal percentage of 52.3 (career-high) and a three-point shooting percentage of 39.2 (the second-highest in his career).
Terance Mann has delivered big time for the LA Clippers.
There have been moments in the past few games for the LA Clippers where Mann has helped bail George and Leonard out of tough situations. In the 110-104 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Mann was the Clippers’ leading scorer of the starters at 21 points shooting 7-of-12 from the field. He also accounted for four assists and three rebounds while only turning the ball over one time. Along with Mann was Norman Powell, who also stepped up through the struggles faced by Leonard and George.
In the 134-124 home win over the Golden State Warriors, Mann was second on the team in assists with six. Head coach Tyronn Lue trusted Mann and George to be the main facilitators, and they did just that in their second game without Reggie Jackson and John Wall.
Finally, in their last game before the NBA All-Star break, the Clippers took down the Phoenix Suns in a crucial road victory. Mann was tied with George as the team’s leading scorer with 26 points. This was a much-needed performance, as Leonard struggled for the majority of the contest.
Moreover, Mann’s role shouldn’t change with the addition of the former MVP, Russell Westbrook. He provides great spacing as he can move off the ball and knock down his shots on the perimeter. Not to mention he will be able to utilize Westbrook’s veteran experience to the highest capacity.
Westbrook joins Leonard, George, and the LA Clippers. dark. Next
Nonetheless, Mann continues to take huge strides as a key player due to the effort he brings along with his availability. In addition, he could easily be seen as the team’s third option based on his defense, ability to score, and his overall impact on the game.