Why Tre Mann is the perfect Knicks prospect target at point guard

The Knicks have their hands full this off-season trying to solve the point guard position, as they consider multiple high-profile free agents with plenty of funds to allocate. With names like Chris Paul, Lonzo Ball, and Dennis Schroder crowding the headlines as potential options for New York, they will also likely view the NBA draft as an opportunity to further bolster the position.

In fact, signing a starting point guard and drafting another would likely be in their best interest — somebody they can develop and bring in off the bench in their rookie season to contribute. However, the Knicks need to focus more on offense rather than defense at the position, especially with Derrick Rose and Elfrid Payton set to hit the open market in August.

The draft offers plenty of suitable options, but one who could slip to the 19th or 21st overall pick is Florida stand-out guard Tre Mann.

CBS projected Tre Mann to the Knicks in their 5th edition mock draft, stating:

The Knicks were a great story this season. They made the playoffs when no one expected they would, playing a physical style in the mold of their tough-nosed coach. But the playoffs proved their offense is … not great. Tre Mann at No. 21 feels like good value as a potential add to help on that front. He made 40.2% from 3 at Florida last season and has the offensive versatility to add a little on and off the ball.

Mann is an exciting young prospect who offers plenty of offensive prowess at point guard. Last year with the Gators, the 6’5″, 190-pound guard averaged 16 points, 3.5 assists, and shot .459 from the fields. He also hit on .402 of his shots from downtown, attempting 4.7 per contest. He also elevated his free-throw shooting from .655 as a freshman to .831 as a sophomore, a significant jump that should convince front offices he has a well-rounded offensive game.

While Mann lacks the functional strength to be an elite defender, he exerts maximum effort to make up for his lack of frame. He has plenty of room to grow at 20 years old, and with Tom Thibodeau demanding aggressive defense, there’s no question they will focus on that portion of his game if he is drafted.

What would Tre Mann offer the Knicks during the 2021-22 season?

I believe Tre is a perfect fit with the Knicks, as he provides immediate offense from the position and can develop in a secondary role if New York elects to sign a free agent to fill the starting spot. Last year, the Knicks deployed multiple guard schemes, which should allow a player like Mann to find reps throughout the course of his rookie campaign.

More positives the Florida product contributed last season was an obvious ability to create shots and find space on the floor. He has fantastic handles and can pull up for jumpers in the blink of an eye. With enough athleticism to get around defenders, his potential is what we should be really looking at here. The developmental leap he took last year in Gainesville should suggest that he has far more room to grow, which is an enticing factor for the Knicks.