Despite five years of eminence with the LA Clippers, two-way forward Terance Mann eventually left the franchise via trade. He may have been a fan favorite who won the Clippers a ticket to the Western Conference Finals in 2021, but his play this season was indefensible.
In 37 games for head coach Tyronn Lue, Mann posted 6.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 44.6% shooting from the floor. These averages were underwhelming and stand as the lowest since he was a rookie.
Not only were Mann’s stats concerning, but he played this season with minimal confidence and aggression on both sides of the ball. These two factors compose Mann’s game, as his impact correlates to his two-way approach.
Though Clipper Nation predicted LA would hold off on trading Mann as the front office has previously done so, the slashing wing was surprisingly dealt to Atlanta, with Bones Hyland, for a package that executive Lawrence Frank hastily accepted.
The Clippers collected three second-round picks from the Hawks and a clever veteran, Bogdan Bogdanović.
In his new home, Mann appears to be having more fun. His minutes increased from this season as a Clipper, and the product has been an increase in points and shooting splits.
This is a sight that instills joy in Clipper fans. Though he did not work under head coach Tyronn Lue this season, he is still well-respected by his former squad.
However, Mann’s latest words on the Clippers seem to be about Lue and the difference in opportunity with the Hawks.
Terance Mann indirectly targets Tyronn Lue with his latest comments on the LA Clippers
Although the Hawks had to let go of Bogdan Bogdanović, they were keen to have Terance Mann help them in the Eastern Conference. In 14 games for Atlanta, Mann has already outplayed what he did this season for the Clippers.
Furthermore, Mann has averaged 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, with a true shooting percentage of 64.4(a career-high) in Atlanta. Although 14 games may be too short a stretch to draw conclusions, Mann is clearly in a much more prosperous role.
When conversing with NBA insider Law Murray and 'The Athletic,' Mann recently stated, "They’re expecting a lot more from me. They’re expecting me to shoot the ball off the dribble, catch and shoot, make plays when I get to the paint. Get to the paint. They just want me to be who I am. And I really appreciate Coach Q for that."
These remarks may not be aimed at Tyronn Lue, but Mann is referring to the differences between where he is now and how his role with the Clippers this season panned out.
Mann’s first career face-off against the Clippers is at State Farm Arena tonight.