NBA Draft 2021: Mock Draft 1.0

2021 NBA Draft — 23. Tre Mann, Houston Rockets

The Rockets again strike the well of perimeter talent. Tre Mann came into his own as a sophomore, both as a scorer and a playmaker. Many of the hallmarks that define successful lead guards — pull-up shooting, deep range, slick handles — are all abundantly present in Mann’s game. He’s a gamer with real upside.

Naturally, it behooves the Rockets to jump on upside, no matter how awkward the positional fit. Figuring out the trio of Mann, Kevin Porter, and Jalen Green on defense is a concern, no doubt, but one Houston won’t have to worry about for a while. Offensively, Mann would give the Rockets another source of shot creation and 3-point shooting on the perimeter, of which you can seldom have too much.

Mann has upside as a playmaker and facilitator. John Wall is in Houston because of the contract, not because Houston views him as a central piece of the present or future. Expect plenty of opportunities right away for Mann, who can play with other ball-handlers, or run the show himself.