Brooklyn’s rebuild may still be in its early stages, but Terance Mann is embracing the role that comes with it.
The Nets forward spent most of his career on teams built to chase championships before landing in Brooklyn last season, and he’s not treating this stop like a detour. Mann said he wants to be part of what comes next for the franchise.
"It’s amazing to be a part of it. To be a pioneer and help turn the corner for this organization. That’s really what my goal is, to try to be (a) cornerstone at that," Mann said of his role in the organization, per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe (h/t NetsDaily).
Last season, Mann served as a veteran voice on one of the league’s youngest rosters under head coach Jordi Fernandez. He said the experience felt different from the situations he had been in before.
"It was very different. The organization had things they needed to accomplish.
They had their own goals," Mann continued, per Washburn. "It was a different situation than I was in in L.A. with the Clippers or even Atlanta with the Hawks.
I grew really close with the guys on the team and we’re ready to tackle this year."
Mann, 29, played 63 games and made 51 starts last season, averaging 7.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
He arrived in Brooklyn from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of last season and entered the year eager to show more of his game, especially with the Nets searching for every possible contributor while their younger players developed.
Now, after another offseason of change, Mann is expected to be one of several veterans in the mix for next season’s rotation. Brooklyn has added Julius Randle, Keon Ellis, and Mo Wagner through various means, giving the roster even more experienced pieces.
Whether Mann is still with the Nets for the full season remains to be seen. For now, though, he sounds committed to doing his part as Brooklyn keeps building.
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