NY Knicks: Tre Mann could be the steal of the NBA Draft

NY Knicks: Tre Mann could be one of the best scorers in the NBA Draft

Everyone is itching for New York to add more offense into their lineup.

Shooting is paramount for success in today’s NBA. Not just spot-up shooters, but having players who can hit shots off-the-dribble is a luxury.

After watching the team’s offense fall flat in the playoffs, fans have been in an uproar about the team’s lack of shooting and overall scoring.

The Knicks were actually one of the best shooting teams in the NBA in 2020-21. They ranked 4th in the NBA in 3-point percentage.  

What the Hawks exposed was the team’s lack of shot creators. The NY Knicks’ offense turned into a hot potato between Derrick Rose and Julius Randle, the latter of whom was consistently double and triple-teamed.  No one on the team could get to the rim or create their own shot. Tre Mann can help answer that problem.

Starting with just his long-range shooting – Mann is one of the best shooters in this draft. He shot 40.2% from 3 on over 7 attempts per game and 83.1% from the free-throw line this past season. There isn’t any reason to believe his shooting won’t continue to thrive in the NBA.

He has nice rise on his shot and smoove follow-through. He’ll be a terrific catch-and-shoot player and an extra shooter surrounding Julius Randle and RJ Barrett.

That’s really just scratching the surface… because Tre Mann can knock down tough shots coming off of some high-level dribble moves. Exactly what the Knicks need.

He knows how to generate space. He may not be the most explosive athlete, but he knows how to create his own shot. It’s a balance of mechanics, balance, and touch.

Tre Mann has a Tempur-Pedic touch on his shot.

Just 31.9% of Mann’s 3-pointers were assisted last season. Considering he shot over 40% from three, that statistic is… insane.

There are question marks about Mann’s finishing ability, as he does sometimes struggle to finish in tight spaces around the rim. I tend to believe two things – It’s not going to matter all that much, and that he can improve his finishing ability as he grows in the league.

The main flaw to highlight is typically his lack of attempts around the rim, but really, I think a big chunk of that is because of how good Mann’s floater is. It’s his go-to move and it’s a close-range shot we’ve so many point guards utilize in the NBA.

Mann’s 59.7% field goal percentage at the rim isn’t at the top of his class, but it’s not a terrible number by any means. For reference, here is how that number stacks up with other top guards in the draft: (From Barttorvik)

• Cameron Thomas 64.2%
• Jalen Suggs 63.4%
• Jared Butler 63.7%
• Davion Mitchell 63.1%
• Tre Mann 59.7%
• Sharife Cooper 49.5%

I’m not overly concerned about the at-rim field goal percentage. I think Mann is crafty enough to improve his layup package, and still has strength has can add to help absorb contact.

So the next question is, how can he develop for the NY Knicks?