Terrence Mann’s Role with the Brooklyn Nets
Terrence Mann recognized that his new role was likely after he joined the Nets in Brooklyn. Last season, while juggling time between the Clippers and Hawks, he found himself needing to take charge during offensive plays. Now, as the most experienced player on the youngest team in the league, there’s a chance he’ll be called upon to steer the offense and help in scoring when necessary.
It only took five games for that to materialize.
In a recent game against the Hawks, which ended in a 117-112 loss, Mann led the team with six assists and scored 11 points. Head coach Jordi Fernandez leaned on him to handle the ball—especially toward the end of the game—where Mann and teammate Tyrese Martin managed to score in the final seconds against rookie opponents Egor Demin and Ben Saraf. He also recorded a personal best net rating of 11.7 this season.
Mann consistently showcased throughout the game that his ability to run the offense could be pivotal as the Nets face challenges during this final rebuilding season.
During an event in Times Square, where Mann was present for the unveiling of a massive pumpkin, he shared his thoughts. “I might have to shift to a different role based on how the game unfolds, so I’m preparing for anything,” he admitted, alluding to his adaptability on the court.
While chatting with his younger teammate Ziare Williams, Mann humorously noted that at 29, he still feels youthful, attributing it to the younger players around him. Entering his seventh NBA season, Mann, who was selected in the second round in 2019, has now joined a Nets team focused on its future—one that includes five rookies drafted in April. Understandably, they expect some losses. The phrase “tanking” has become a frequent topic.
However, Fernandez is still keen on winning games and isn’t shy about incorporating the players he believes will give him the best chance to succeed. He commented that Mann brings the energy he’s looking for, which is why he’s been given the ball so often.
In the early moments of the first quarter, Mann caught a pass, drove into the paint, and scored an and-1 despite help from Hawks’ center Kristaps Porzingis.
By the third quarter, Mann had either scored or assisted on six of the Nets’ first eight baskets, along with securing a steal, helping reduce their deficit from 13 to six points. Later, as Brooklyn aimed to rally in the fourth, Mann drove into the lane and dished the ball to Martin, leading to a crucial three-pointer.
“Terrence has a solid grasp of the game,” Fernandez remarked. “He does a bit of everything. I appreciate his aggressiveness and how he creates assists when he drives to the basket.”
Mann also played a role in Brooklyn’s roster reshuffle following a three-team trade in June, which brought in a first-round pick from the Hawks and the rights to Drake Powell. This encouraged the Nets to commit to Mann’s three-year, $47 million contract extension he signed with the Clippers to start the season.
There’s a sense of stability with Mann, whose contract extends until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Nonetheless, in this restructuring phase, nothing is certain. Roster spots can shift as trades occur, leaving Mann’s future potentially limited. For now, he’s the oldest player on one of the league’s three unbeaten teams. His contributions, like in the recent game, illustrate how he can still add value, even as the Nets keep their sights set on the horizon.
“My role is to bring energy,” Mann said, reflecting on his contributions after Game 5. “I’m still figuring things out and focusing on how I can help the team.” He acknowledged his performance, noting his assists during the game.
