Thunder May Have Found Their Backup Point Guard Solution — And It’s Not Nikola Topić…read more…
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in a quest for the perfect backup point guard to complement their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and lead the second unit with efficiency. While many fans and analysts had been focused on Nikola Topić as a potential answer, recent developments have thrown a curveball in the team’s search for their ideal backup point guard. The focus has shifted to another player who, while flying under the radar, may have just proven to be the perfect fit for this role.
The Search for the Backup Point Guard
Since the departure of veteran Chris Paul and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running the show as the primary ball handler, the Thunder’s coaching staff has been looking for a dependable backup to step in during crucial minutes. While Topić had been touted as a potential candidate, recent performances and observations from the Thunder’s training camp and preseason games have made it clear that another player has emerged as the leading option for the job.
This shift in focus is not an indictment on Topić’s skill set; rather, it’s a reflection of the natural progression of player development and team fit. The Thunder have always placed a heavy emphasis on versatility, and the backup point guard role has become more dynamic than ever.
Enter Tre Mann: The Unexpected Solution
Tre Mann, who has been known for his scoring prowess and ability to stretch the floor, appears to have stepped into the backup point guard role with a level of poise and court vision that has impressed the coaching staff. The 2021 first-round pick out of Florida has always shown flashes of brilliance, particularly when given more ball-handling responsibility during the offseason and early preseason games.
During the Thunder’s preseason games, Mann showcased not only his scoring ability but also his improved decision-making and playmaking. With Gilgeous-Alexander often playing off the ball or resting, Mann has taken the reins, facilitating the offense and setting up his teammates with ease. His ability to read defenses and adjust to in-game situations has been a major factor in his emergence as the backup point guard.
While Topić remains an intriguing prospect with his unique blend of size and playmaking, Mann’s ability to produce offensively and create for others has given the Thunder more confidence in his ability to step into a larger role. His defense, while still a work in progress, has improved enough to where the coaching staff feels comfortable with him running the point guard duties for extended periods.
Why the Backup Point Guard Role Matters
For the Thunder, a reliable backup point guard is crucial to their success. While Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the team, his ability to perform at an elite level can be impacted when he is asked to shoulder too much of the load. Having a backup who can facilitate, create scoring opportunities, and maintain the flow of the offense when Gilgeous-Alexander rests is key to the team’s overall success.
Moreover, Oklahoma City’s young core is a focal point of their long-term plans. Players like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren need a stable point guard to help them develop, and Mann seems to be the ideal option. His chemistry with the team’s young stars has been apparent in preseason play, and his ability to play alongside them in various lineups makes him an asset.
The team has also shown an interest in developing players who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, and Mann fits that mold. While Topić is a gifted playmaker, the versatility of Mann’s offensive game has made him an intriguing choice to potentially anchor the second unit.
The Growing Impact of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership
One of the key factors in Mann’s emergence as the backup point guard is the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His calm demeanor and strong leadership qualities have made him the focal point of the Thunder’s offense, but Gilgeous-Alexander has also proven to be an excellent mentor to younger players.
Through offseason training, Gilgeous-Alexander has worked closely with Mann to improve his game, providing insights into reading defenses, improving ball-handling, and finding teammates in transition. This mentorship has helped Mann refine his skills, and it’s clear that the Thunder are developing their future around Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and the team-first mentality.
The Case for Nikola Topić
That said, Nikola Topić remains an important part of the Thunder’s future. The 6-foot-9 point guard has shown a lot of promise with his size, vision, and potential to play both the point and shooting guard positions. His versatility and ability to create mismatches on the floor have intrigued the Thunder’s front office, and he could still play a key role as a secondary ball handler in certain lineups.
However, Topić’s development is a bit more of a project. While his physical tools are undeniable, the mental side of his game — particularly his decision-making and ability to control the pace of the game — still requires refinement. The Thunder have shown patience with Topić, understanding that his growth may take time, but they will likely keep him in a development role for now as they continue to build a roster capable of contending in the future.
The Road Ahead for Oklahoma City
As the Thunder prepare for the upcoming season, the backup point guard position seems to be settled, at least for now, with Tre Mann as the frontrunner. His performance in the preseason has earned him the trust of the coaching staff, and his ability to play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while also being a floor general for the second unit makes him a valuable asset to the Thunder’s future.
The real question moving forward will be how Mann can continue to improve his game in real NBA action and whether his ability to create for others can be sustained over the course of a full season. If he can build upon the progress he’s shown in the preseason, Mann has the chance to solidify himself as a long-term piece of the Thunder’s rotation.
Oklahoma City’s young core is poised for greatness, and with the right leadership and development, the team could find itself in a strong position to compete in the Western Conference for years to come. Whether it’s Tre Mann or Nikola Topić taking the reins at backup point guard, the Thunder have options — and that is a luxury most teams would love to have.
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The Thunder have found their answer to the backup point guard position — and it’s not Nikola Topić. Will Tre Mann take the next step in OKC’s development? #ThunderUp #NBA #OKCThunder
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