NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie watch at the halfway point of the season
Jan 15, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Tre Mann (23) drives to the basket around Cleveland Cavaliers guard Brandon Goodwin (26) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the midst of a rebuild that is going quite nicely. They have a tremendous young core with a couple of veterans sprinkled into the mix to help the youngsters grow into players that will benefit the team.
They have seven players on their roster with two or three years of experience in the league. Some of them are key pieces for the future such as Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Ty Jerome, and Isaiah Roby. The Thunder also have six rookies on their roster, but only four who are making any impact. The other two, Vit Krejci and Olivier Sarr have not played enough to be included.
The main four have provided a spark for a young team, taking to their assigned roles with vigor. As a result, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been a solid team, winning more than many pundits expected them to. Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the rookies showing that the Thunder have a bright future.
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie watch – Tre Mann
Taken with the 18th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Tre Mann is a 6-5 point guard on a squad full of point guards. This has not stopped the rookie from pushing his claims forward, starting in two of his 29 games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.6 steals in 17.5 minutes per game.
Mann has shown that he has a bright future and also that he can play off the ball. This bodes well, as he will be able to gather more time in the rotation, giving the Thunder a viable second playmaking option. He also has the ability to create for himself and others and is a cool hand under pressure when shooting the three-ball late in games.
