Terance Mann’s Return to Brooklyn
Las Vegas — For Terance Mann, both the latest Nets team and the historical ties to Brooklyn feel like a homecoming.
Mann, a Brooklyn native, grew up dreaming of playing at Barclays Center. He was influenced by his mother, a local basketball coach, and spent his childhood exploring the Flatbush and Atlantic area, excited by the team’s presence.
“It’s amazing, honestly,” Mann remarked. “I remember wandering the area before Barclays was even built, just trying to figure out what was coming. My mom once mentioned, ‘I think Jay-Z is bringing a team here from New Jersey,’ back when it was just a thought.”
While many athletes trace their sports history through their fathers, Mann’s journey is a bit different; it’s through his mother, Daynia La-Force.
La-Force played for Georgetown and later became an assistant coach at LIU Brooklyn in 1995, during a time when the Blackbirds played at the Paramount Theater, not far from the future Barclays Center.
Interestingly, Mann was born the following year, right in the neighborhood.
“I lived in New York until I was 11 before moving to Massachusetts,” he shared. “I remember just walking around, going to school, and grabbing some cheesecake with friends. I spent a lot of time just being a kid with my little brother.”
At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Mann is now ready to create fresh memories in his hometown.
Last season, he averaged 7.7 points over 67 games, split between the Clippers and Hawks, with a shooting percentage of 36.8%. The trade that brought him to Brooklyn initially seemed more like a financial move.
Brooklyn’s GM Sean Marks appears focused on maximizing cap space. He traded for Michael Porter Jr. to acquire Denver’s unprotected 2032 draft pick while also bringing in Mann, who was part of the deal leading to rookie Drake Powell being drafted last month.
Now with three years and $47 million left on his contract, Mann aims to prove he’s more than just a financial transaction.
In fact, he has shown his capabilities, averaging 10.8 points in the 2021-22 season and starting 71 of 75 games with the Clippers during a playoff run.
As one of the more experienced players on a young Nets roster filled with first-round rookies, can he take the lead?
“I’m definitely the oldest on the team now,” Mann acknowledged. “It’s quite a change coming from the Clippers, where the guys were older. I’m embracing this new role, ready to mentor and show them how to excel.”
Cam Thomas is a restricted free agent, while Mann may share minutes with a few others. There’s potential for him to guide rookies like Powell and Egor Denin.
“I’m committed to leading as much as I can,” Mann stated. “That’s a big focus for me. And on the court, I’ll do whatever the coach asks. I’ve always been that kind of player and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.”
